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Getting (back) into the Premier League might be tough, but imagine how difficult it must be for smaller teams to survive the whole season and live to tell the tale. Norwich City will once again experience that rush this year, and here are five key dates that just might decide if they can finish above the relegation zone or not.

9 August, Liverpool (A)

A true baptism by fire, as Norwich will immediately face the runners-up for the title at Anfield. It's one of the two worst-case scenarios for the opening day, but it will be a good judge to see just what the newcomers are all about.

31 August, West Ham (A)

Facing a middle of the pack team sandwiched between Chelsea (H) and Manchester City (H), followed by Burnley (A) is a nice mixture of different kinds of opposition to face. This could tell us how they stand in comparison with both the top and bottom dogs of the PL, and if they have what it takes to survive.

5 October, Aston Villa (H)

Beating Aston Villa, their fellow promoted side, is going to be essential. Just like the Canaries, Villa will be hoping to survive, and getting points from someone you already know you can beat is key. Not to mention, this game is sandwiched between other fixtures in which they'll definitely be looking to pick up a couple of Ws.

26 October, Manchester United (H)

Shortly after that, Daniel Farke's side will welcome Manchester United to Carrow Road, and if they are going to take any top-tier scalps, the Red Devils just might be their best bet. Taking down a Goliath or two throughout the season is what "smaller" teams are best at, and it often turns out to be the deciding factor in the race against relegation.

14 March, Southampton (H)

Southampton are one of those lower-tier teams Norwich will absolutely have to bury into the dirt if they want to survive. The Saints will have similar goals going into the 2019/20 season, and the two might become big rivals in that respect. Picking up points in the final stretches of the marathon should be high on the priority list.