Shaun Goater's Manchester City have been given a relatively gentle introduction to the Premier League when the new English season kicks off on Saturday, August 19.

In the opening-day fixtures, announced by the league yesterday, City are scheduled to travel to meet their rivals of last season, Charlton Athletic, who earned automatic promotion from the First Division after winning the championship.

In the same fixture last season, at Charlton's ground The Valley, City won 1-0 with Goater netting the decider.

However, the ante goes up for City's second game in the Premiership on Wednesday, August 23, when they host Sunderland, who finished a creditable seventh behind champions Manchester United.

"There's going to be no easy games in the Premiership,'' said Goater, a day after being feted by dignitaries and locals alike on Leonardo Shaun Goater Day, "and at that time of the season you're playing in temperatures around the eighties and the English game is fast, making it hard for both teams.

"Whether it's Charlton or one of the top teams it's always going to be difficult.'' The 30-year-old striker said that he expected manager Joe Royle to stress the importance of earning at least a point from away matches, while being sure to grab all three when at home.

A solid start would also place the newly promoted side in good stead as far as gaining confidence and mental fortitude for a long season that promises to be littered with all sorts of obstacles.

"At the beginning of last season it was in our minds to get a good start, then if you were to run through a dodgy period that good spell would see you through and you could come back good again and have a good run,'' explained Goater, who led the First Division scoring charts last season with 29 goals.

Meanwhile, fans will have to wait until November 18 for the highly anticipated `Clash of Manchester' when City host United at Maine Road.

Joe Royle: seeking home wins.