Chelsea FC Face Norwich City: Confirmed Line-Ups And Analysis
We’re closing in on kick-off as Chelsea FC and Norwich City prepare to square off in a Premier League affair. The teams have been confirmed by the respective managers.
Guus Hiddink and Alex Neil have handed in their team sheets for this evening’s Premier League clash. Is there any rotation as the fixtures pile up?
| Norwich City | Chelsea FC |
|---|---|
| John Ruddy | Thibaut Courtois |
| Ryan Bennett | Cesar Azpilicueta |
| Russell Martin (C) | Branislav Ivanovic (C) |
| Timm Klose | Gary Cahill |
| Ivo Pinto | Kenedy |
| Alexander Tettey | Nemanja Matic |
| Jonny Howson | Cesc Fabregas |
| Robbie Brady | Bertrand Traore |
| Nathan Redmond | Oscar |
| Wes Hoolahan | Eden Hazard |
| Cameron Jerome | Diego Costa |
| Subs | Subs |
| Declan Rudd | Asmir Begovic |
| Martin Olsson | Baba Rahman |
| Gary O'Neil | John Obi Mikel |
| Youssouf Mulumbu | Ruben Loftus-Cheek |
| Graham Dorrans | Willian |
| Matt Jarvis | Alexandre Pato |
| Dieumerci Mbokani | Loic Remy |
More chelsea fc: Ezequiel Lavezzi Rejected Chelsea FC For China Switch
Hiddink makes a few alterations to his Chelsea side as he dips into the squad depth with the games coming thick and fast. There are no fewer than four changes for tonight’s fixture.
In arguably the most controversial move, Kenedy will start in the place of Baba Rahman. The Ghanaian was substituted at halftime against Southampton after a woeful error gifted Shane Long the opening goal. The interim boss then made no excuses for the full-back in his post-match comments, a questionable decision at the time.
Instead of reinstating the youngster and proving his faith in him, Hiddink has dropped Baba Rahman and chosen Kenedy. While many fans will be excited to see the Brazilian from the off, the way in which this situation has been handled will undoubtedly raise eyebrows.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
John Obi Mikel sits out this evening as Nemanja Matic is reinstated to the starting eleven. This can be seen more as a rotation than an indictment of any of the Nigerian’s performances; Hiddink may want to keep him fresh for next week’s huge clash with PSG.
Similarly, Chelsea’s player of the season in Willian is also afforded a night off as Bertrand Traore takes up a position on the wing. The Brazilian has been outstanding for the Blues and with some tough fixtures coming up over a relatively short space of time, this trip to Carrow Road is an ideal game in which to give him a break.
Pedro was forced off early with injury at St Mary’s and is evidently still recovering as Oscar replaces him. The Brazilian should start in the centre, but expect the attacking trio to interchange frequently throughout the contest. Oscar will be hoping to use what could be an extended run in the starting team to prove his worth.
Meanwhile, on the bench, Alexandre Pato features for the first time as he edges closer to match fitness. With Hiddink eager to rest key players, the loan signing may have a bit to do in the second half should the circumstances be conducive to such a switch.
On the Norwich side of affairs, Wes Hoolahan has come through a late fitness test to earn a spot in the starting line-up. Chelsea-contracted Patrick Bamford, though, is unavailable as dictated by the terms of his loan agreement. Nathan Redmond may well match-up with Kenedy in a bid to take advantage of the Brazilian’s inexperience so keep an eye out for that.
Next: Chelsea FC Visit Norwich City: Predictions
Kick off is nearly here so look into your crystal ball and leave us your predictions in the comment section below!