The Opposition: Palace are the only team that according to the bookies are more likely to go down than us. It is a game we have to win if we are to get off to a good start. They haven't made any major signings and once again Andy Johnson will be their threat going forward. Although in Ian Dowie they have one of the best young managers around and he will have them well prepared for the game.
Prediction: I think we will be too strong, with the home crowd and power up front I predict a 2-0 win for the Canaries.
Saturday August 21st: Manchester United (A)
The Opposition: Mmmm...not bad. They have threats all over the field with the likes of Alan Smith, Cristiano Ronaldo and that Ruud chap. They will want their title back and will not take us lightly. I personally think they will win the title this year and they will obviously be looking to get their home form off to a winning start against us.
Prediction: I'm going to be realistic we are probably going to lose. We will put up a solid and brave performance and lose 1-0. Remember though, how we do against Manchester United will not determine if we stay up.
Wednesday August 25th: Newcastle (A)
The Opposition: Very strong at St James Park. They will also have fire power up front with Shearer and Kluivert likely to lead the line. Although they are slighlty vunerable at the back and we will have to try and exploit this.
Prediction: I think we can get a draw. We have enough quality to cause their defence problems and we will make it as difficult as possible for them to get through our defence. 1-1.
Rooney's View
A tough start. The two away games will test us to our limit and will be difficult. If we can get through these games with 3 or 4 points I'd be happy. I'd also rather play these types of games now rather than at the end of the season.
At least it gets easier with games against Arsenal and Tottenham to come.
OTBC