Harry Whitwell starts: The West Brom XI James Morrison should play v Norwich on Saturday | OneFootball

FLW lists Albion’s predicted XI for their season opener at Carrow Road.

West Bromwich Albion kick off their 2026-27 Championship campaign away to Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday afternoon.

The Baggies come into their clash in East Anglia off the back of an unbeaten pre-season and a thumping 4-1 win away at Rotherham United in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

And after a busy summer transfer window so far, there’s room for optimism that James Morrison’s men can position themselves towards the top end of the second tier table after narrowly retaining their Championship status last season.

The Black Country outfit, however, know they’re in for a difficult start, with Norwich well-backed to be in promotion contention themselves following their upturn in form under Philippe Clement, while they then go on to host Burnley and travel to Middlesbrough in their opening three games of the new term.

Therefore, patience will have to be given to Morrison if they have a poor start, but there’s no doubt that Albion are entering a new era given the fresh blood they’ve brought in.

With this in mind, FLW lists the predicted XI West Brom should field against Norwich on the opening weekend.

GK: Max O’Leary

Action Images

While West Brom continue to be linked with adding to their goalkeeping department, Max O’Leary should at least start the season in between the sticks.

The former Bristol City shot-stopper joined Albion in January under Eric Ramsay and continued to play during James Morrison’s interim spell in charge, while he also was the number one choice in their Carabao Cup victory last week.

Therefore, he should start at Carrow Road.

RB: Nolan Galves

After losing out on Danny Imray to Wrexham, the Baggies moved swiftly to secure the signing of full-back Nolan Galves from Ligue 2 side Rodez.

Albion supporters got a taste for his style of play at Rotherham last week, with the 23-year-old keen to maraud forward and get into advanced areas to help supply the forward line.

There’s much to like about the Frenchman, who is set to make his Championship debut this weekend.

CB: Nat Phillips

Action Images

Heading into the centre of defence and Nat Phillips should remain one of James Morrison’s first-choice options in that area.

While his general ability on the ball and distribution has been questioned, there’s no doubt Phillips is one of the most solid players in the division when it comes to pure defensive work, while he was part of a backline that kept seven clean sheets in their last 10 league games at the back end of last season.

Not to mention on the final day at Sheffield Wednesday that George Campbell looked a shadow of himself without Phillips alongside him, so it’s important that the partnership is kept in place at Carrow Road.

CB: George Campbell

Action Images

Therefore, George Campbell is backed to start alongside Nat Phillips, and the American should be another important player after captaining the side during pre-season.

The 25-year-old was under par at Rotherham in the Carabao Cup last week, but yet again he was at the heart of Albion going on a very impressive clean sheet tally at the end of last term under Morrison, so he’s more than deserving of another opportunity.

LB: Callum Styles

While Albion have added competition at left-back by bringing Conor Townsend back to The Hawthorns, Callum Styles should still remain a regular starter.

The Hungarian international was so consistent over the course of last season despite Albion’s struggles, and that was reflected when being voted both the players and supporters’ Player of the Season.

Styles subsequently put pen to paper on a new four-year contract at The Hawthorns, with West Brom getting tremendous value out of the defender since signing him on a free transfer from Barnsley.

CM: Ousmane Diakite

Heading into the midfield and Ousmane Diakite should get an opportunity from the off to continue the superb work he produced at the back end of last season.

The Malian offered stability and control in the middle of the park for Albion as they went on a complete turnaround of form, with his presence so critical to protecting the back four and ensuring Albion stopped conceding the alarming rate of goals that were seen under both Ryan Mason and Eric Ramsay.

Diakite picked up from where he left off with an impressive display at the New York Stadium last week, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see his name in the starting XI again this Saturday.

CM: Felix Horn Myhre

Action images

A player who could make his full Championship debut is Norwegian midfielder Felix Horn Myhre, who featured in the second half of Albion’s Carabao Cup victory last weekend.

Signing from SK Brann, Myhre grabbed his first goal for the club after converting a rebound from Isaac Price’s effort, and he seems a player who is willing to take the ball on and make things happen in the final third.

And with Alex Mowatt departing The Hawthorns to move to fellow Championship outfit Derby County, it would make sense to put Myhre into the fold, who is already up to full speed after competing in the early stages of Brann’s Eliteserien season.

CAM: Isaac Price

Heading into the final third, Isaac Price should be in line for a starting spot once again.

The Northern Ireland international was criticised at points by the Albion faithful last term for his lack of consistency in attacking areas, but there is promise that the best of him can be seen due to the addition of fresh faces.

Price linked up very well with the likes of Harry Whitwell and Jimmy-Jay Morgan last weekend in the Carabao Cup, so this could be the season where the goals and assists really flow for the 22-year-old.

A fantastic asset to have in the press, Price should start and look to put pressure on the Norwich backline on Saturday afternoon.

CAM: Harry Whitwell

There’s real excitement emerging about Harry Whitwell and the role he can play for Albion this season.

The 20-year-old put his name in lights for the Baggies in their romping 4-1 win over Rotherham in the Carabao Cup, registering a goal and assist in the opening 45 minutes before being replaced at the break because of a knock.

Such heroics have seen Norwich City linked with making a move for the talented midfield player, with a report by journalist and Full Throstle writer Steve Tudgay detailing that the Canaries are keen to lure Whitwell to Carrow Road given the youngster has just 12 months remaining on his current deal at The Hawthorns.

However, Morrison has confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Whitwell has trained ahead of their Championship opener, so he is in line to start and hopefully weave his magic once again.

ST: Jimmy-Jay Morgan

Another player earning so many plaudits at the moment is Jimmy-Jay Morgan, who can hopefully be the goalscoring forward to bring success to James Morrison’s side.

It’s certainly started off like he can be, with the former Chelsea man netting five goals in pre-season and then a brace in the Carabao Cup last weekend.

The summer arrival certainly has the talent to be the next Championship superstar, and he will be a key player if Albion are to pick up any points in East Anglia.