Chelsea FC will be eyeing their maiden league triumph of the season when they face Norwich City on the road this weekend. The Blues have managed just one point after the opening two league games but Frank Lampard will be hoping that the players can finally turn up with a strong performance at Carrow Road to register their first win under his guidance.
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Predicted Lineup:
Blues boss Frank Lampard has stuck with a settled combination at the back from the opening game of the season. No changes are likely with Antonio Rudiger still short of fitness to return at centre-back while Cesar Azpilicueta should continue to captain the side at right-back despite his average performances to begin the campaign.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is expected to start in goal with Azpilicueta and Emerson occupying the positions on the right and left side of the defence. In between them, Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma. The duo have genuinely improved on their collective performance since the 4-0 loss at Manchester United at the beginning of the month.
In the midfield, Jorginho is a certainty to feature from the off but there are concerns over Kante, who has been deemed doubtful after an ankle sprain. Lampard has said that the Frenchman has been carrying the injury through the week and this may see Mateo Kovacic enter the fray.
In the attack, Lampard should go with the same combination from recent previous gameweek. Pedro and Christian Pulisic are certainly the best options at the manager’s disposal for the right and left wing roles respectively while Mason Mount deserves to start in the number 10 position after scoring his maiden goal in front of the home fans last week.
Ross Barkley and Willian are the other options for the attacking positions but neither have impressed. Barkley has struggled to carry over the pre-season form into the real campaign. Meanwhile, Willian has drawn criticism for the lack of effort during the cameo appearance against Leicester.
Upfront, Tammy Abraham may be the choice ahead of Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi. Batshuayi, who has not played a single Blues game this term impressed for the development side with a brace but Lampard may probably feature him from the bench if required.
Predicted Chelsea FC XI: Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Kurt Zouma, Emerson, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic, Pedro, Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham
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