By Paul Holmes
August 9 2002

With the season approaching fast we have given the fans of Division 1 teams the chance to let us know their feelings on the coming season. This time its Palace fan Jonathan Burgher up to the plate. Who are you playing on Saturday(10th)?

Preston NE

What result are you expecting?

A score draw at best, we'll certainly concede at least one goal.

Who should we look out for in your team this season?

A young striker called Wayne Routledge - he's small but extremely quick. He made a few first team appearances as a substitute towards the end of last season. Also look out for Dougie Freedman and Andrew Johnson. We've got a lot of strikers - probably more than we need - so goals shouldn't be a problem.

Any youngsters expected to break through?

I don't think many more youth team players will feature in the first team this season, unless of course we get a few injuries. But in addition to Routledge, there are a couple of young strikers called Gareth Williams and Steve Kabba who could be given a chance by Trevor Francis.

Are you happy with your manager?

I was disappointed when Steve Bruce left and was slightly doubtful regarding Trevor Francis' tactics when he first joined us. I'm prepared to give him a chance this season because he's made a few signings and is starting to build his own team.

Will he do a good enough job, in your opinion?

If given the chance, Francis will do a good job. But I feel that a section of Palace fans are not prepared to do that at the moment. However I believe the majority of the fans are backing him, and a good start to the season will probably get all the supporters on Francis' side.

Who are you looking forward to be playing and why?

Brighton - our traditional rivals. Right now I'm prepared to call Palace v Brighton our true "derby" after Millwall took six points of us last season.

Finally, where will you finish?

Playoff positions at best

Thanks to Jonathan Burgher