So far this summer, we haven’t been given any clues as to who Paul Lambert will select as his first choice XI come August 6 for that opener against Watford.
But with tomorrow’s first showpiece friendly on the horizon with Newcastle United coming to town, you would expect the City boss to start testing out his preferred team, injuries permitting.
With seven additions to the squad this summer, the Scot has plenty of options and the Canaries should certainly be capable of holding their own on their return to the Championship.
And here is my starting line-up, assuming everyone is fit, for that Carrow Road clash with Malky Mackay’s Hornets in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
Goalkeeper – John Ruddy. No surprises here and the Canary faithful will be pinning their hopes on the St Ives-born 23-year-old this year. They’ve been spoilt of late, with Fraser Forster outstanding in League One last season, and Ruddy knows that should he not perform, Declan Rudd and Jed Steer will be breathing down his neck.
Right-back – Russell Martin. The former Peterborough captain was steady, if not spectacular, after his arrival halfway through 2009/10 but doubts remain whether he can shine in the second tier. He is a reliable performer, however, and should start the season as first choice.
Centre-back – Elliott Ward. The former West Ham man has clearly been brought to the club to play plenty of games and his experience of the Championship could be crucial. He can also take a mean penalty and could prove to be one of Lambert’s best signings of the summer.
Centre-back – Zak Whitbread. The City boss is a big fan of the USA-born Scouser and his cultured style could suit this level. He has got that extra bit of pace as well and that is why he edges out Michael Nelson and Jens Berthel Askou, just.
Left-back – Adam Drury. This decision was a no brainer after the City stalwart’s excellent campaign last time out, although former Rangers man Steve Smith will offer decent competition.
Centre-midfield – Andrew Crofts. I haven’t seen much of the Welsh international to be fair. But he comes highly recommended from all quarters and offers midfield grit and tidy passing skills in equal measure.
Centre-midfield – Stephen Hughes. Although Korey Smith can count himself unlucky to miss out, Hughes just has to play; it’s as simple as that. He wasn’t a first-team regular last season but I believe his movement and classy range of passing will suit the Championship. The Scotland international can put his foot in as well.
Centre-midfield – Andrew Surman. Despite his lack of starts in the Premier League with Wolves, there was a reason why they shelled out £1.2 million for him a year ago and his cultured left-foot can do some real damage, especially with Grant Holt on the end of his crosses.
‘In the hole’ – Wes Hoolahan. Give Lambert all the credit in the world, he created this position for the talented Dubliner and it is here where he should remain. Hoolahan will benefit from more space this year and the man is a class act. Watch out Championship defenders.
Striker – Simeon Jackson. The Canary chief hasn’t paid around half a million for the Canadian striker to sit on the bench, and I fully expect Jackson to start the season up top. He has that extra bit of pace that was possibly lacking in League One last year, and the former Gills man certainly knows where the goal is.
Striker – Grant Holt. The 30-goal skipper is one of the first names on the City teamsheet and I would be astonished if he doesn’t get 15-goals plus, despite some people questioning his prowess at this level.
So, pick the bones out of that if you wish; no doubt many people will be having the same discussion in pubs up and down the county over the coming weeks.
But one thing is for sure, with the likes of Smith (K and S), Chrissy Martin, David Fox, Nelson, Askou, Oli Johnson, Simon Lappin and Anthony McNamee in reserve, the Canaries should be just fine.
Nearly agree with your team, only question is why Hughes? He didn’t play much last year and our new signing Fox is similar to him but looks alot better. My team would be the same as yours but with Fox or Korey Smith in for Hughes.
I’m a big fan of Hughes, that is all. Think he can do a good job in the Championsip and will be more suited to this level. Glad you nearly agree with me though!
I do think he’s clever on the ball and I can see where you’re coming from because he will have more time on the ball in the Championship. But i think Lambert has brought in Fox, who he’s worked with before, so I’d fancy him to get the nod against Watford. Yeahh, the rest of team is perfect 🙂 I feel a bit sorry for Chris Martin but again I think you’re right that Jackson has to start because of his pace in behind.
Bit harsh on Chris Martin if he is dropped at the very start of the season after scoring 25 goals in a championship winning season. Jackson will be breathing down his neck though, which Martin needs to continue to respond to. Agree that Jackson would offer more options up front in terms of much needed pace and will surely get his chance from the bench against Watford. Nice to have a great trio of strikers!
Much as I like Hughes, I think Fox has been brought in to play this role. Smith (K) will be pushing hard to get in the team. I’m Worried about Jackson’s lack of pre-season; I can name 6-8 players we bought that missed pre-season and were playing catch up all season.
I agree with Jordan, Fox instead of Hughes. Chris Martin will be unlucky but like you say, extra pace needed!
I know where you’re coming from, he’ll have more time on the ball and on the ball i agree he’s clever and normally keeps possession. Although I think Lambert will go with Fox as he’s worked with him before and likes him.
All other points aside I think starting Jackson ahead of Martin after his goals last season is a bit harsh, can’t see him doing it?
I still rate Lappin and Hughes is a good player who deserves a run in the team.
IMO I think that Askou should replace Whitbread because I think Askou is a much more trusty defender and I think Whitbread is lacking in strength. Remember at the start of last year’s campaign, Askou had a stormer up until his injury. Also I would have Fox in ahead of Hughes as he can do everything that Hughes does, just much better! And I also think that Chris Martin should start ahead of Simeon Jackson as he links up with Holty really well and is a clinical finisher. Apart from those 3 changes, good team 🙂
I think Fox will definitely start as PL sees him as the one to make the team tick. He had a good game agaist Everton, setting up most of City’s moves until he took a bad kick from Cahill just before h/t and it led to his substitution. Crofts and Surman also made impressive starts so it looks like most of the new guys will be in.