What, Where, When:

Norwich City vs Chelsea

19:30 Thursday 10th March 2022, Carrow Road

Not broadcast on television in the UK, available to listen on BBC radio Five Live

Norwich City have enjoyed an upturn in form and fortunes since the arrival of manager Dean Smith from Aston Villa and will be optimistic that they won't be on the end of a humiliating defeat such as the one Norwich received at Stamford Bridge

Norwich City: 

Last Five League Results: DLLLL

The Canaries secured back to back league wins in January to give themselves a fighting chance of battling their way out of the relegation zone but have suffered four straight league defeats since. With an away game at fellow strugglers Leeds United up next for Norwich on Sunday, they will likely be realistic about their chances against the European and World Club champions and have half an eye on their trip to Elland Road

Team News -

Dean Smith assured supporters that there were no fresh injury concerns ahead of tonight's game, with long-terms absentees Andrew Omobamidele and Adam Idah missing but Max Aarons likely to return.

Chelsea loanee and Scotland international Billy Gilmour is ineligible to play against his parent club so will sit this one out.

Likely Lineup: Krul, Aarons, Hanley, Gibson, Williams, Normann, Lees-Melou, Sargent, McLean, Rashica, Pukki

Chelsea:

Last Five League Results: LDWWW

In a dramatic day for the club, which saw owner Roman Abramovich sanctioned by the Government and the club essentially 'frozen' as an asset as part of the collateral, Chelsea may well have distractions coming into the game. If reports are to be believed, this could be one of the last occasion that Chelsea have the luxury of their travelling support in the stands, with tickets for subsequent fixtures on hold until the sale of the club is secured. 

A solid 4-0 display away at Burnley at the weekend will ensure that Chelsea go into the game confident and looking to claw back some points on second placed Liverpool. Mason Mount, who scored his first career hat-trick for Chelsea in the reverse fixture, will be keen to get himself back to scoring ways tonight.

Team News:

In terms of injuries, Reece James will be out for Chelsea's next four games and joins fellow wing-back Ben Chilwell in not being fit in enough to take part, although Chilwell has returned to light training. 

Recent games have seen Kai Havertz establish himself as Chelsea's first-choice striker and he is likely to start in the number nine position with Romelu Lukaku again dropping to the bench. 

Likely Lineup: Mendy, Chalobah, Rudiger, Silva, Alonso, Azpilicueta, Kante, Kovacic, Mount, Pulisic, Havertz

 

 

 

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