Norwich City’s Championship promotion hopes rely on strong partnerships.

What makes a successful duo?

The Canaries' most successful Championship promotion-winning sides have had a strong spine. Be it the Craig Fleming and Malky Mackay partnership or the Teemu Pukki and Emi Buendia duo.

Defensive partnerships

Jose Cordoba and Ruairi McConville looked like a natural fit in the second part of the last Championship season. Their first audition came halfway through the campaign in a New Year’s Day win at QPR. Cordoba’s World Cup displays carried on his club form, and now he is the focal point at the heart of a Clement backline. The challenge is who might partner him? | Player | Partnership | | Harry Darling | Cordoba and Darling | | Ruairi McConville | Cordoba and McConville |

Midfield partnerships

Kenny McLean and Pelle Mattsson are likely to reunite in the Norwich engine room. Sam Field ably softened the mid-winter injury blow of losing Mattsson. But it was clear who Clement felt was the indispensable cog in his machine when Mattsson was fit to return. As of the end of the 2025-2026 season, Norwich City stands at 9th in the Championship, with 65 points from 46 games, and a recent form of LDWWL. Their goal difference is +7, with 63 scored and 56 conceded. They are 30 points behind leaders Coventry.

What comes next?

The grind of 46 games of Championship football may test the depth of a squad, but history suggests the City head coach must decide who are the couples that can underpin a promotion push. With Philippe Clement’s non-World Cup contingent now back in the building, and the first pre-season friendly of the summer looming, the Belgian will need to lock in his own key partnerships.