Carrow Road is Chelsea’s destination tonight, as the Blues face a Norwich side out of form and currently sitting 3 points away from safety in 17th. Chelsea on the other hand are not so high and flying, with last seasons Premier League champions season getting off to a horrendous start but the players have turned things around since the appointment of Guus Hiddink.
Due to the game being only 3 days after The blues’ 2-1 victory away to Southampton, the Dutchman will make a few changes, but nothing that will affect an anticipated Chelsea win.
Goalkeeper
Thibaut Courtois: The Belgium has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, having conceded in each of Chelsea’s last five games. Courtois’ movement for Southampton’s goal at the weekend needs to be questioned.
Defenders
RB – Cesar Azpilicueta: Mr. Reliable continues to be consistent once again, a decent performance against a strong Southampton side warrants a starting spot in the next game. And that he is the only right back available to us.
CB – Gary Cahill & Branislav Ivanovic: A defensive partnership that has silenced many critics in the games in which they have played together, and with the unavailability of John Terry, the defensive pair will remain.
LB – Kenedy: The versatile Brazilian was brought on for Rahman at half time at the weekend, due to the Ghanaian’s mistake leading to the Saint’s goal on Saturday. Kenedy stepped up and put in a decent performance and should maintain his place in the side.
Midfielders
CDM – Cesc Fabregas & John Obi Mikel: A partnership that compliments each player perfectly. The defensive stature of Mikel allows Fabregas to have more freedom on the pitch, therefore providing more for the team. I fully expect this to continue against Norwich.
RW – Willian: The Brazilians immense set piece taking ability came into good use on Saturday, with his corner providing for Ivanovic’s last minute goal at the weekend. The winger has been a key player for Chelsea this season and will hope to continue his form for a push for Chelsea’s player of the year.
CAM – Ruben Loftus-Cheek: The young midfielder has just signed a new 5 year deal at the club, and could be rewarded with a starting spot in the game against Norwich. I believe there is a clause in Ruben’s contract which grants him more game time, something the midfield is desperate for. Hiddink has said in his recent press conference that RLC will get some more game time the games to come, after analysing which position he suits the most.
LW – Eden Hazard: A player that I personally haven’t been satisfied with this season, but to regain ones confidence, game time is important.
CF – Betrand Traore: This is a stab into the dark in all honesty, but with Hiddink stating that he will rest Costa in one of Chelsea’s next two games, I feel the game against relegation struggler’s, Norwich, this could be the Burkina Faso international’s perfection opportunity to make a statement of intent.
