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AI-written editorial preview · updated 2026-08-10 16:42 UTC
Norwich and West Brom set for Championship curtain-raiser
Carrow Road hosts the opening day of the Championship season as Norwich City welcome West Bromwich Albion on Saturday, 15 August 2026. This fixture marks matchday 1 of the new campaign, with both sides looking to start with a positive result.
Norwich City's expected starting XI sees Mohamed Toure leading the line, supported by midfielders Oscar Schwartau, Anis Ben Slimane, Andre Brooks, Pelle Mattsson, and Kenny McLean. The defence is expected to consist of Benjamin Chrisene, Jose Cordoba, Harry Darling, and Jack Stacey, with Vladan Kovacevic in goal. The Canaries have confirmed winger Ali Ahmed has ruptured an ACL, which reduces their wide options for the opening run of the season.
West Bromwich Albion are predicted to field a forward line of Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Aune Selland Heggeboe, with Isaac Price, Alex Mowatt, Ousmane Diakite, and Harry Whitwell in midfield. The expected defensive unit comprises Callum Styles, George Campbell, Nathaniel Phillips, and Nolan Galves, with Max O'Leary as the goalkeeper. West Brom have added Felix Horn Myhre to their squad, though it is not yet clear if he will feature immediately.
Norwich City's recent form includes a commanding 4-1 victory over Milton Keynes Dons in the EFL Cup, preceded by a goalless draw against Cambridge United in a friendly. Their pre-season also featured a 1-2 loss to Osasuna and a 0-0 draw with AFC Wimbledon, alongside wins against St. Gallen and King's Lynn Town. The end of last season saw them secure a 2-1 win over Derby County and a 1-1 draw with Swansea City, but they finished with a 2-1 defeat to Hull City.
West Bromwich Albion began their competitive season with a convincing 1-4 away win against Rotherham United in the EFL Cup. Their pre-season campaign included notable victories such as a 0-2 win over Peterborough United and a 1-4 triumph against Shrewsbury Town. They also secured friendly wins against Bromley and Sheffield Wednesday. Their Championship campaign concluded with a 2-1 loss to Sheffield Wednesday, following a goalless draw with Ipswich Town and a 3-0 victory over Watford.
Recent history between these two clubs shows a mixed bag. Norwich City secured a 3-1 victory in the FA Cup on 14 February 2026. However, their last league meeting saw West Bromwich Albion lose 0-5 at home to Norwich City on 20 January 2026. Earlier in the 2025-26 Championship season, Norwich won 0-1 away. The 2025-26 season also saw Norwich win 1-0 at home, while the 2024-25 Championship fixture ended in a 2-2 draw.
Both teams appear to have focused on defensive organisation heading into the new season. Norwich City have demonstrated a degree of defensive resilience, keeping clean sheets in five of their last nine matches. Similarly, West Bromwich Albion have also been defensively sound, recording shut-outs in six of their last eight outings. This suggests that breaking down either defence could prove challenging on the opening day.
Norwich City's official site has framed the start of the week around establishing a "winning way," indicating the importance placed on securing an early positive result. Manager Philippe Clement's comments after their EFL Cup victory are being used to shape expectations for this match. For West Brom, the addition of Felix Horn Myhre provides a new option, though his immediate impact remains to be seen. The opening fixture is crucial for both sides aiming to set the tone for the Championship season ahead.
Official expected line-ups for this match from the data feed. Locks as Confirmed ~1h before kickoff.
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