Pre Match
Norwich City v Chelsea
October 06 2013 13.30 PM BST
Carrow Road – Norwich
Referee: Neil Swarbrick
Jose Mourinho’s second spell at Stamford Bridge hasn’t been quite what he would have oped for. In his first 10 competitive fixtures, he has already lost 3 games. In fact Chelsea’s form this season mirrors exactly their form in the 07-08 season, which ultimately ended in Jose Mourinho and Chelsea parting ways. But in those games, Chelsea have faced trips to Goodison Park, Old Trafford and White Hart Lane, coming away with just 2 points, but an away trip to Norwich will be more favourable than their last outing at Spurs. Chelsea are so far yet to win away from home however, with all 3 wins coming at Stamford Bridge.
Norwich City go into this fixture high in confidence after an away win at Stoke, arguably one of the toughest places to walk away with all 3 points. But it was only their first goal in 4 hours of trying, and Norwich have only scored twice in their last 5 league games. They will need Gary Hooper and Van Wolkswinkel to be on top form if there are to have any hope of scoring against the blues. However Norwich beat both Manchester United and Arsenal at Carrow Road last season, so the visit of Chelsea will not intimidate Chris Houghton or his players. Their home form was what kept up last season, securing 31 of their 44 points there.
Norwich defender Sebastien Bassong faces a late fitness test over a hamstring injury which has kept him out for the past few weeks. Javier Garrido and Nathan Redmond are both fit again after missing the win at Stoke due to injuries.
Chelsea are without the suspended Fernando Torres, whom wouldn’t have featured anyway due to injury. Eden Hazard is also a doubt due to an ankle problem, so Juan Mata and Andre Schurrle could be set to feature.
Match Facts
- Norwich have failed to beat Chelsea in their last 9 attempts in all competitions
- Norwich have only lost 2 out of their 12 home games in 2013, both to Aston Villa
- None of Chelsea’s Strikers are yet to find the back of the net, with only one of their last 26 goals scored by a recognized striker
Predicted Line-ups
Norwich City (Possible, 4-5-1): Ruddy; Martin, Turner, R Bennett, Olsson; Snodgrass, Fer, tettey, Howson, Pilkington; Van Wolfswinkel.
Chelsea (Possible, 4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Ramires, Oscar, Mata; Eto’o.