Newly-signed striker Connor Wickham (R) improves Crystal Palace's offense this season. (Photo : Reuters)
Newly-promoted Norwich City FC will get immediately tested by middling English club Crystal Palace FC in their first game of the 2015-2016 Premier League season at their home field of Carrow Road on Saturday, August 8.
Together with winners AFC Bournemouth and runners-up Watford FC, Norwich is one of three promoted teams for this new season after they placed third in the recent Football League Championship.
The Canaries were coming off two preseason friendly losses, the most recent of which is a 0-1 defeat against Premier League club West Ham United FC last July 28, via Goalsaim.
Manager Alex Neil is hoping for the best with regards to their promotion to England's top-tier competitions and the match against West Ham is an indication that they can hold their own against resident Premier League teams.
The Hammers is about the same strength as that of Crystal Palace and Neil and his men could not have found a more suitable sparring partner to prepare them for their opener.
Meanwhile, the Eagles have also concluded their preseason training with a disappointing 0-1 friendly loss against League Two club Dagenham & Redbridge FC, as reported by Daily Mail Online.
The game spoiled the debut of new recruit striker Connor Wickham who just transferred on Monday from Leeds United on loan from Sunderland.
Wickham is a major improvement for the offense of Alan Pardew, but he will need time to adjust to the new system before he can be effective.
Prediction: A close 1-0 win by Crystal Palace. The experience of facing top-tier competitors will tide them through a firm stand by Norwich, who will be eager to show everyone at home that they belong in the big league.
Norwich starting lineup (4-4-1-1 formation): Ruddy; Olsson, Bassong, Martin, Whittaker; Johnson, Tettey, Howson, Redmond; Hoolahan; Jerome
Crystal Palace starting lineup (4-3-3 formation): Hennessey; Souare, Hangeland, Dann, Ward; McArthur, Jedinak, Puncheon; Bolasie, Chamakh, Wickham
