The new season is less than a fortnight away, and JAMES SHIPLEE knows what his starting line-up would be for the opener against Wigan.
Norwich`s return to the Promised Land kicks off in less than two weeks at Wigan. The starting line-up, formation, tactics and everything else related is still only known by Paul Lambert – if it has even been decided at all yet!
Below is what my starting eleven would be and why:
GK: John Ruddy – He`s the club’s number one and showed a great deal of improvement last season so deserves his shot.
There has been a lot call for a new ‘keeper but I`m more than happy with Ruddy in goal and Rudd as our number two.
RB: Russell Martin – No competition here! I`m more than happy to admit I wanted a new right back going into the Championship season as I didn`t think he was up to it but now I think we have one of the best right backs in the country.
He can only get better. Could get us a few goals as well!
CB: Leon Barnett – It was awful that he got injured when he did last year as he was starting to look like a class defender. He should fit right in at this level and I see him being one of our major players this season in the push for survival.
CB: Zak Whitbread – During his injury people were calling to get rid of him but he started to show last year why he is here. He`s a top quality defender who will be well suited to Premier League football and should work well alongside Barnett.
LB: Marc Tierney – Had my doubts whether he could keep Drury out of the side but he`s done that brilliantly. Solid at the back, can get forward well and has that throw when needed! I want him to score to see more of those cartwheels!
DM/CM: Andrew Crofts – Solid midfielder, one of our most consistent players last season and can get forward if needed. Would be very surprised not to see him in the side but with a berth of midfielders his main competition will be David Fox and Bradley Johnson.
RM/CM: Elliott Bennett – A very exciting prospect and one who I can`t wait to see play. Arrives on the back of a fantastic season at Brighton and should be one of our main outlets for assists next season. He can play RM or ACM so may even be challenging Wes for his spot.
LM/CM: Andrew Surman – A midfielder I rate very highly and in my opinion he is still one of the best signings I feel the club have made in recent years. A good passer of the ball and can deliver a great set piece so I would love to see him in the side. He could be a fantastic player for this season.
ACM: Wes Hoolahan – The little Irish magician should thrive in the Premier League and I`d be surprised if he isn`t in the Ireland squad come the end of the season. He`ll be the main part of our attacks again and may get a little more time on the ball in this environment in which he could thrive even more!
ST: Grant Holt – Do I really need to explain this one? First name on the team sheet, captain, goal scorer, playmaker, he gives you everything you want from a centre forward. There are a lot of doubts, again, over whether he`ll be able to cut it in a higher league and personally I think he`ll do brilliantly.
ST: Simeon Jackson – After his goal scoring record towards the end of last season I think if anyone showed he deserves a chance in the big time it`s him. His pace will be a vital attribute this season and if he can take last season`s confidence into this season then I think he`ll bang in a few goals.
Standard diamond formation for me with the majority of last year`s squad involved. They played fantastically last year and deserve their shot! However, Lambert will have his own ideas and may choose to change things altogether. Morison and Wilbraham have been performing in pre season so may get their chance.
We can only wait and see but the speculation will continue until around 2.30 Saturday 13th August when the team will be announced – but hey, that`s half the fun isn`t it!
I don`t know about you but I just want to get started now!
In Lambert we Trust. OTBC!
You can follow James on Twitter via @James_Shiplee
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