5 Bold Predictions for Norwich City Next Season

Norwich City is not predicted to do well in the Premier League next season. Therefore, with that in my mind, I have decided to compile a slideshow with five predictions for next season. The Canaries had an impressive season in the Championship last season and, although it's a big step up, the team certainly has the ability to surprise some people. Paul Lambert is also a very talented up and coming manager and at the end of the season there could be some respected pundits left with egg on their face.

Don't waste anymore time and check out my five predictions.

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Norwich City to Finish in the Top 10 in the End of Season Premier League Table

Like I said in the introduction, Norwich City are expected to struggle near the bottom of the table. Therefore, the sight of Norwich in the top 10 would be enough to shock most people. Of course, such a suggestion might be a pipe dream, especially since most Norwich City supporters would be happy just for the team to survive. However, this is a piece on bold predictions, so let's live dangerously!

The suggestion may not be as far-fetched as it seems at first—after all, both Newcastle United and West Brom Albion came close to achieving just this in the season just gone. The simple truth is, if Norwich can record a few more points than these sides did, then they could well achieve it. It is highly likely that if Norwich had 50 points at the end of the season they would be in the top 10 (using last season's table as a guide).

A Cup Run Like Birmingham City and Stoke City Enjoyed

Last season, Birmingham City won the League Cup but then ended up getting relegated and Stoke City reached the FA Cup Final. Stoke may have lost the game to Manchester City, but their run to the final was rewarded with a place in Europe.

Certainly Norwich can take inspiration from these clubs and hope they can enjoy a run deep into one of the cup competitions. However, they will need to be wary of league form. It's certainly not uncommon for sides that enjoy a run in the cup to see their league form suffer. This was certainly the case for Birmingham City last season, but Stoke had no such problems. 

Norwich City Player Called into the England Squad Next Season

Let's be honest: there have been some quite puzzling decisions made by Fabio Capello in recent England squads and, to be frank, any English Premier League player has a shot of being involved. Jay Bothroyd was playing in the Championship when he was called up and Matt Jarvis was playing for a struggling Wolves team when he was called up.

It's a little difficult to predict which Norwich player has the best chance, especially considering most players will be new to the Premier League. Norwich though, aren't known for their defensive qualities so it's quite likely any player would have attacking attributes. Wes Hoolahan is often a focal point for Norwich's attacking moves, but he is Irish; Andrew Crofts was a regular scorer from midfield last season, but he is Welsh.

So that really only leaves wingers Anthony Pilkington and Elliott Bennett and strikers Grant Holt and James Vaughan. My personal tip would be Grant Holt. It's fairly obvious England wants another target man to provide competition for Andy Carroll, and Fabio Capello has never quite been impressed by Peter Crouch. Therefore, Holt just might be the answer. Furthermore, Holt may not need to score many goals in the Premier League to be considered; after all, Emile Heskey went to the last World Cup. 

The Late Late Show

Norwich earned a reputation for themselves last season with their never-say-die attitude and their excellent level of fitness. This resulted in a significant amount of late late goals that put the rest of the Championship to shame. This played a vital part at the end of the season that ended with promotion. Therefore, what is to say they won't do the same next season and score more injury time goals than any other Premier League side?

It is worth noting that the goals from last season tended to be vital, resulting in draws and wins—hopefully that trend will be able to continue next season. Blackpool threw away a lot of points last season when they were winning or drawing; with the attitude Norwich has, it's unlikely they will do the same.   

A Premier League Away for the Rest of the League to Sit Up and Take Notice

Norwich City have been a very impressive side away from home in the last two seasons. They have gone to sides and played fearless attacking football and gone for the win, while other teams are only to happy to get a point away from home. Now, it will clearly be a lot harder in the Premier League, but they are likely to approach away games in a similar way. So, what is to say they won't record an away win against one of the top six (Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur) sides.

Norwich will certainly hope to improve on their away form from their last spell in the Premier League when they failed to win a single away league game. Somehow though, I can see it being very different this time around. Norwich only went down by one point last season despite their poor away form; so, only a slight improvement on that could see them retain their Premier League status. However, they will need to ensure they get the results at home.