On Saturday afternoon, the Canaries host Newcastle United, with a chance to get their first points of the new season in front of the roaring Carrow Road crowd.
Norwich are currently 16th in the table, despite losing 4-1 away to European Champions Liverpool.
Newcastle, however, had a slightly better opening fixture, narrowly losing to Champions League hopefuls Arsenal, thanks to a 58th-minute winner by last season’s Golden Boot winner Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, placing them 14th – two points better off than the Canaries.
The Toon are a strong side that certainly shouldn’t be underestimated – despite their difficult situation over the summer, losing world-class manager Rafa Benitez.
However, would any of their players make it into the Norwich starting eleven?
Here is our combined XI…
GK – Tim Krul
The Dutchman’s Prem experience and leadership skills give him the edge over Martin Dubravka.
RB – Max Aarons
The youngster’s ability to race forward and aid the attack and fantastic crossing qualities as well as being solid in defence means he is the obvious choice for the RB position.
CB – Fabian Schar
The Swiss international had a fantastic 2018/19 season and will be hoping to continue his form going into this campaign. He becomes the first centre-back in this XI.
CB – Ben Godfrey
The Yorkshire-born defender had a superb breakthrough campaign for the Canaries after Daniel Farke showed his faith in him following Timm Klose’s injury. He got forward well, scoring some crucial goals as well as being Norwich’s most solid CB. he will be looking to prove himself in the Prem after being linked with some of the top six this summer.
LB – Jamal Lewis
The Northen-Irishman was one of Norwich’s best players last season and his pace and attacking qualities give him the edge.
CDM – Sean Longstaff
The youngster was linked with a £50million move to Manchester United but stayed at the toon, and gets the nod over Tom Trybull, who’s injury problems could be a problem for the Canaries this season.
CDM – Moritz Leitner
Leitner’s playmaker skills and ability to link defence with attack gives him his place in our combined XI.
RM – Emi Buendia
The Argentinian winger has many good qualities a winger needs; pace, skills, tricks and strength. Emi is still very young, so will be hoping to prove himself in the big time and help keep the Canaries up this season.
CAM – Miguel Almiron
Arguably one of Newcastle’s most creative players, Almiron gets the edge over Marco Stiepermann, who didn’t impress in Norwich’s opening fixture against Liverpool.
LM – Matt Ritchie
The Scot’s experience gives him the nod over Cuban Onel Hernandez and Englishman Patrick Roberts.
ST – Joelinton
Despite Teemu Pukki’s 29 championship goals and being the second tier’s player of the season, Brazilian Joelinton’s £40million move to England and form showed at Hoffenheim gives him the edge and he takes the final place in our combined XI.
