It will be tough, of course everybody knows that, but a home clash against Worcester and then a trip to Newcastle is probably the softest opening Jim Mallinder could have wished for.

After that it gets really tough with champions Wasps visiting Franklin's Gardens, then Heineken Cup semi-finalists Saracens and a trip to local rivals Leicester Tigers.

If Saints are to survive what fans are already describing as the most important in the club's history, opening the Premiership campaign with a win at Worcester and at least getting a bonus point at Newcastle is vital.

The bookies have both teams vying with Saints to avoid the trap door back to National League One. If Saints lose both those games with no points to show for their efforts, it will be a long way back.

But with the Premiership fixtures finally out, Saints fans can now properly get excited about a return to the big time. Here we have a look at the must-see games at Franklin's Gardens.

MUST-SEES
Club: Worcester
Date: September 6
Recent highlights: There haven't been too many for Saints. In their last season in the Premiership Saints lost at home to the Warriors twice, 24-12 in the EDF Energy Cup and 10-9 in the Premiership. In fact, Saints have lost the last five games at home to the Warriors, since they were promoted in 2003/04.
Potter's verdict: It would be huge for Saints to end their Warriors home hoodoo with a win and give their survival chances the perfect start. It would also be some sort of revenge on the side that sent Saints down to National League One.

Club: London Wasps
Date: September 19/20/21
Recent highlights: Amazingly, Saints clung on for an 8-6 win over Wasps in the fog in their last season in the Premiership. Before that it was 2003 for Saints' last win against Wasps with a 27-17 victory.
Potter's verdict: Third game up and Saints face their biggest test against the champions. It will also mean a quick return to the Gardens for the ever-popular Mark Robinson. Saints will need every ounce of support to get something from the game.

Club: Leicester Tigers
Date: Saturday January 10
Recent highlights: A brief respite from the gloom of relegation was the 18-5 win over Tigers in the EDF Energy Cup and in 2005 Saints beat Tigers 26-11 to lift themselves off the bottom.
Potter's verdict: Always the highlight for any Saints or Tigers fan. It would be a huge fillip to get one over the old rivals after recent misery.

Club: London Irish
Date: Saturday April 18
Recent highlights: Saints' last game in the Premiership was a home win over London Irish and in 2005 there was a thrilling 25-23 win over the Exiles.
Potter's verdict: If Saints do need to win their last home match to stay up London Irish isn't too bad, they have a good record over the Exiles at the Gardens. Sure to be another full house.

THE BEST TRIPS
Club: Leicester Tigers
Date: Wednesday October 1
Recent highlights: Always a cracking atmosphere at Welford Road and Saints' last visit provided the biggest shock of all with a 10-9 win thanks to Mark Robinson's try. In 2003 there was the 32-15 thrashing.
Potter's verdict: The old rivals are looking a bit rocky, relatively speaking. And with South African coach Heyneke Meyer just feeling his way they could be ripe for a shock – fingers-crossed.

Club: Gloucester
Date: April 4
Recent highlights: Always a tough place to go to with the famous old Shed, but despite the intimidation Saints had a famous 26-18 win in 2005.
Potter's verdict: It will be the first chance for Saints fans to see the new and improved Kingsholm. You always feel like you are at a proper rugby ground in Gloucester, great atmosphere.

Club: Sale Sharks
Date: April 24/25/26
Recent highlights: Few and far between, with mainly defeats though there was an opening day 37-37 draw in 2003.
Potter's verdict: The last away game of the season could well be crucial to Saints' survival and at Jim Mallinder's old club with so many ex-Sharks at the Gardens as well.

Club: Bath
Date: Saturday December 27
Recent highlights: Won 17-9 in 2005 and a famous Powergen Cup quarter-final 30-29 win at The Rec in 2003.
Potter's verdict: It might be the last chance to see rugby at the wonderfully picturesque Recreation Ground. What better way to spend Christmas than in beautiful Bath.