Not really. We wanted a home game to begin with but at least it gives us a chance to get off to a good start. I’d rather play you lot first up than Man Utd or Chelsea. Although we know your going to be up for it so never the less it’s going to be a tough game.
Are you happy with the signings you have made so far?
We’ve got Mark Hudson, and I’m pleased with that. We also have a new keeper from Dundee and a little known Emmerson Boyce from Luton. I would have loved to have got Cahill, but hopefully Dowie has another trick or two up his sleeve.
Which Norwich players do you think you should watch out for?
Huckerby will cause us problems I’m sure. Bently is a class player and an inspired signing so he should also be one to watch. I think we will have to compete most against your great support and home advantage.
Do you expect to get relegated? What about Norwich?
I can’t see both of us staying up; one of us will go down. Obviously I hope we do stay up but at the moment I still can’t really believe we have made it in the first place so my expectations aren’t to high.
Can I push you for a match prediction?
I think it will be tight, neither side will want to lose first up. I’ll go for a 1-1 draw with us nicking a late equaliser from Johnson after a Bently opener.
Not exactly an exciting opening fixture, but it gives us a chance of all three points to set us on our way. The crowd will be buzzing and the players will be refreshed after the summer break.
I expect Norwich to play for the win as Palace is one of the teams we have to be winning against if we are going to stay up. Palace will settle for a point, with no major signings to date, Andrew Johnson will be their main threat.
I predict a 2-1 Norwich win. I think the crowd and atmosphere will be a huge advantage to the Canaries and I expect them to get of to the ideal start with goals from Francis and Huckerby.
OTBC