Norwich City: 11 Premier League Players to Start Against Wigan Athletic

Norwich City are set to go head to head with Wigan Athletic in the Premier League this coming Saturday. So, now seems like as good as time as any to predict a possible starting line-up for Norwich City. I base the selections on what I have seen in preseason games and the sort of qualities the team will need to come out on top against Wigan Athletic.

Therefore, click through this slideshow to see my selections.

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John Ruddy, Goalkeeper

John Ruddy is without doubt Norwich City's No. 1 goalkeeper. Last season Ruddy got off to a shaky start but he recovered well to become one of Norwich's most improved players by the end of the season. Some people were surprised that Paul Lambert hasn't signed experienced back-up in this area of the pitch, but he has clearly placed his faith in Ruddy that he is Premier League class.

Ruddy himself will feel that he has a little something to prove to Everton. The Merseyside club decided he wasn't Premier League quality and sent him out on loan to several clubs—before he found himself to Carrow Road last summer.

The goalkeeping position tends to be a very important position for newly promoted teams, and if he does well, Norwich City may also do well. But if he struggles for form, will Norwich City do likewise? 

Marc Tierney, Left Back

Marc Tierney  signed for Norwich City in the January 2011 transfer window and managed to displace Adam Drury by the latter part of last season. There is, therefore, no reason to suggest that he will not continue to be the first-choice selection at the start of this season.

Tierney has had to work hard to get to where he is, playing League One football with Colchester United and last season in the Championship with Norwich City. However, he will get his chance on Saturday to prove he has Premier League class.

Ritchie De Laet, Centre Back

Ritchie De Laet should be a very important player for Norwich City this season. The Belgium has joined Norwich on loan for the season from Manchester United. De Laet has only made a handful of appearances for United and has spent time on loan to several Championship clubs recently.

It now looks like Sir Alex Ferguson has decided Ritchie De Laet needs to play Premier League football, and, if he shows to have the ability to perform at this level, Norwich City will certainly benefit. Ritchie De Laet has certainly proved to have been in fine form during preseason games, and in the recent game against Real Zaragoza, he proved he could also score some important goals. Norwich City fans should expect Ritchie De Laet to be a critical part of the defence this season. 

Leon Barnett, Central Defender

Leon Barnett was at Premier League West Brom a year ago. However, at that time he wasn't deemed to be good enough for the Premier League. A year on and Barnett will want to prove he can indeed play Premier League football.

Barnett initially joined Norwich on loan last season before making the move permanent in January 2011. A serious injury hit him in the second half of last season, but Barnett is now back, fit and expected to be an integral part of Norwich City's defence.  

Kyle Naughton, Right Back

Kyle Naughton has arrived on loan from Tottenham for the season. He is certainly an exciting talent and offers a real attacking threat alongside his defensive qualities. Naughton has spent time on loan to Championship clubs and impressed last season on loan to Leicester City.

Naughton will face competition for a place in the Norwich City side from Russell Martin. However, with Naughton's attacking qualities, fans could see both players on the pitch at the same time, with Naughton given a more advanced role on the team. With Russell Martin injured, expect Naughton to start in front of him.

Andrew Surman, Left Midfielder

Andrew Surman is another one of those players that has been with a squad in the Premier League. A year ago Surman was with Wolves, but the Wolves only saw him as a squad player and doubted his ability to play Premier League football. The major problem for Surman will be to stay clear of injury, but, if he manages to do so, he could have a very good season. Andrew Surman should be an almost certain starter for Norwich City when fit.

Surman has been in impressive form in preseason games and in the last game against Parma even grabbed himself a couple of goals. Andrew Surman will want to prove that he has Premier League class and, if he can do that, surely Norwich City will benefit.

David Fox, Central Midfielder

David Fox started his career at Manchester United and his quality on ball suggests the player has the ability to play in the Premier League. David Fox plays in a holding position in the midfield and his major strength is his range of passing skills. Fox will be the calming influence in the Norwich City team and could be set for a big season in the Premier League.

Elliott Bennett, Right Midfielder

Eliott Bennett is a new signing at Carrow Road, having joined from Brighton in a £1.5m deal. If Bennett can catch Premier League defences out, then he could end up with a whole bunch of assists like he did last season. Bennett is another player that will want to prove he is good enough to play in the Premier League and he should also prove to be an exciting player to watch. 

Wes Hoolahan, Creative Attacking Midfielder

Any Norwich City fan will tell you that Wes Hoolahan is a little genius. The Irishman has been superb for the last two seasons with his goals, assists and just fancy footwork. Hoolahan has amazingly quick feet that help him get out of tight situations and get the team moving. Hoolahan is simply one of those players that has the ability to do something special and for that reason Norwich City will want him on the pitch as long as possible. Don't be surprised if everyone is raving about Wes Hoolahan in 12 months time in a similar way they have been about Charlie Adam. 

Grant Holt, Striker

Grant Holt has been in superb form for Norwich City in the last two seasons and will have the confidence that he can score Premier League goals. Norwich City will need to score a lot of goals to stay in the Premier League—so Grant Holt will have a very important part to play. Last season Holt was near the top of the top scorers list. Could he do that again next season? Well, never say never. What is clear is Grant Holt is vital to Norwich City and, when fit, he will play.

Simeon Jackson, Striker

Norwich City have added some much needed firepower this summer. However, James Vaughan is currently out injured and Steve Morison is rather similar to Grant Holt. So I pick Simeon Jackson to grab a start up front against Wigan. Jackson has the pace and trickery to trouble any Premier League defence, and, as he proved last season, when he is on form, Jackson can be a hard man to stop. Simeon Jackson certainly has the ability to surprise people next season.