Preview: Norwich City vs. Wigan Athletic - prediction, team news, lineups

The Canaries fell to a narrow defeat against Cardiff City in their opening game, while Wigan played out a goalless draw with Preston North End.

Match preview

Back in the Championship after spending one season in the Premier League, Norwich are looking to return to the top flight at the first time of asking.

However, a 1-0 away defeat to Cardiff City last weekend ensured their promotion bid did not get off to the best of starts.

Romaine Sawyers gave the Bluebirds an early lead in the second half, and although Cardiff were reduced to 10 men in the 73rd minute, a Grant Hanley red card 12 minutes later curtailed Norwich's attempts to find an equaliser.

After failing to take anything from last Saturday's away trip, Norwich will feature in their first home game of the season this weekend, when they face Wigan Athletic for the first time since April 2019.

The Canaries finished their promotion-winning campaign in 2019-20 with the second-best home record in the league, and a similar record may be required this term if they are to secure automatic promotion.

While their hosts are looking for a Premier League return, Wigan's first aim this season will be to secure their Championship status.

The Latics stormed to the League One title last term, but Leam Richardson will be aware that his side face a mountain to climb if they are to avoid relegation this season.

They managed to get off to a steady start in their season opener, with the home encounter against Preston ending in a goalless draw.

With a clean sheet already under their belt, the Latics will now bid to open their goalscoring account this weekend.

Although, they will need to be at their very best to clinch their first win of the season after failing to beat Norwich in their previous four meetings.

Norwich City Championship form:

Wigan Athletic Championship form:

Team News

After missing the season opener, Norwich are hopeful that Kieran Dowell and summer signing Gabriel Sara will be fit enough to feature on the bench, and they could be joined by Marcelino Nunez, who signed from Universidad Catolica on Tuesday.

Sam Byram and Ben Gibson returned to training this week, but Dean Smith may not risk them for the meeting with Wigan.

With Hanley set to serve a one-match suspension, academy product Jonathan Tomkinson could come into the starting lineup to make his debut for the senior side.

As for Wigan, Jack Whatmough is a doubt for Saturday's contest after being forced off in the first half against Preston.

If the centre-back is unable to feature then he could be replaced in the starting lineup by Jason Kerr, who would join Curtis Tilt in the centre of defence.

Summer signing Ryan Nyambe was left out of the squad last weekend due to a lack of match fitness, but the 24-year-old could feature on the bench against Norwich.

Norwich City possible starting lineup:

Krul; Aarons, Omobamidele, Tomkinson, Giannoulis; Lungi Sorensen, McLean, Cantwell, Sargent, Rashica; Pukki

Wigan Athletic possible starting lineup:

Amos; Darikwa, Kerr, Tilt, Bennett; Power, Naylor; Lang, Keane, McClean; Magennis

We say: Norwich City 2-1 Wigan Athletic

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