Norwich City vs Chelsea – English Premier League – Preview

Posted on March 1, 2016 by Sreya

Chelsea travel to Carrow Road on 1st March, Tuesday to face Norwich City as the defending champions aim to climb to the top half of the English Premier League standings. Chelsea came back from a goal down against Southampton to earn crucial three points which took the Blues to eleventh position with thirty six points.

Norwich, on the contrary, are winless in their previous seven matches, on seventeenth place with twenty four points and are above the relegation zone on goal difference. While Norwich City are in desperate need of points to stay up in top division, Chelsea will look to continue their unbeaten domestic run under Guus Hiddink.

Team News

Andre Wisdom will miss the game due to a knee injury while Sebastien Bassong and Wes Hoolahan are doubts, having picked up knocks during training. Falcao, Kurt Zouma, John Terry and Pedro are the only injury concerns for the visitors. Alexandre Pato has regained his match fitness but is unlikely to start ahead of Diego Costa.

Norwich City Possible Starting Lineup: John Ruddy, Ivo Pinto, Ryan Bennett, Russell Martin, Timm Klose, Robbie Brady, Nathan Redmond, Alexander Tettey, Jonny Howson, Steven Naismith, Dieumerci Mbokani.

Chelsea Possible Starting Lineup: Thibaut Courtois, Cesar Azpilicueta, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, Kenedy, John Obi Mikel, Cesc Fabregas, Willian, Oscar, Eden Hazard, Diego Costa.

Thoughts From Both Camps

“We’re fighting for our lives and we want to stay in the Premier League. A win changes everything. We are capable of a level that can get us positive results in the remaining 11 games. There is no point us dipping our toe in the water and being a bit cagey and hoping we see things out. We need to go and attack it.”

– Alex Neil, Norwich City.

“When I started in December we were close to the relegation zone, one point away. Of course this club must have big objectives but it was a side objective to get away from the relegation zone as soon as possible. The team did well with draws and victories so in a relatively short time we’ve accomplished that in-between target. That encourages us to go on.”

– Guus Hiddink, Chelsea.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Norwich City has not won any of the previous six Premier League encounters with Chelsea, losing four and drawing only twice. Moreover, Chelsea have won nine of their last eleven matches against Norwich in all competitions.

Norwich have conceded a minimum of two goals in their last three league matches. Chelsea, who are unbeaten in eleven league fixtures since Jose Mourinho’s departure, will start as favorites and are likely to win by a 3-1 scoreline.