Boss gives his thoughts on City's Premier League schedule
ALEX Neil is confident Norwich City can make a positive start to life back in the Barclays Premier League after the Canaries’ fixture list was revealed on Wednesday.Neil’s team will host Crystal Palace in their curtain-raiser at Carrow Road on Saturday August 8, followed by their opening away game at Sunderland and then a home fixture versus Stoke City.
They do not face any of last season’s top five until the trip to Manchester City on October 31 – their 11th fixture – and their manager believes that will provide a platform for his team to build from.
“We haven’t got any of the ‘big boys’, if you like, in the first few games. Obviously you want to start the season and try to get points on the board as early as you can,” he told canaries.co.uk.
“Certainly looking at the fixtures it gives us a good opportunity to do that, but as we know every game at this level will be tough.
“It’s good to get a home game initially. Hopefully it’s a game where we can go and try to start the season well but Palace did exceptionally well last season.
“When Alan Pardew went in there he turned their fortunes around and they had a really strong second half of the season. We know it’s going to be a difficult game but hopefully we can take the momentum from last season into it.”
City’s final three games include visits to Arsenal and Everton, with their final home match against Manchester United sandwiched in between.
Neil isn’t fazed by the challenge, however, adding: “You’re going to have to face those teams at some stage, whether it’s at the start of whether it’s at the end. To be honest, it doesn’t really matter.
“I wouldn’t say that there is one period I look at and think ‘that’s a concern’, even though if you’re not performing well in the Premier League then it’s all going to be a concern.
“If you’re doing your job properly, you’re prepared and you’re functioning well, then any game is winnable. We’ve just got to go into any game full of confidence and try to do as best we can.
“We’re really looking forward to it, and hopefully we can get off to a good start.”
For Norwich City's Premier League fixture list in full, CLICK HERE.