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Chelsea key clashes vs. Norwich: Krul vs Blues’ attack

By Matthew Hancock-Bruce

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea and Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC at Selhurst Park on July 07, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Tallis/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 07: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea and Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC at Selhurst Park on July 07, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Tallis/Pool via Getty Images) /
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Watford’s English striker Troy Deeney (L) and Chelsea’s French defender Kurt Zouma compete for the ball during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Watford at Stamford Bridge in London on July 4, 2020. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Watford’s English striker Troy Deeney (L) and Chelsea’s French defender Kurt Zouma compete for the ball during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Watford at Stamford Bridge in London on July 4, 2020. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. Chelsea’s centre backs vs. the Norwich offense

I think its fair to say that Chelsea’s defence has become a glaring issue this season, highlighted wonderfully by the woeful performance this past weekend. It’s hard to predict exactly what pair of centrebacks Lampard is going to start with and it’s likely we will see some heavy investment in the position during the transfer market. That being said, the Chelsea backline should have a relatively easy job against a Norwich side that has scored just two times in the past 11 games.

The Canaries have scored the fewest goals in the league, most of these coming from Finnish striker Teemu Pukki. However, there are two other attacking talents that pose a greater challenge to the Chelsea defence—Todd Cantwell and Emiliano Buendia. The two attacking midfielders will be hoping to secure themselves moves to mid-table sides to avoid a return to England’s second division and should have a number of suitors lined up already.

Cantwell is only 22, but has had an impressive maiden voyage in the top-flight, picking up six goals and a pair of assists. However, injury has seen the young Englishman left on the sideline more often than not since the league resumed. After coming on for the final 20 minutes against West Ham, Cantwell should be raring to go against Chelsea. Buendia has had a number of respectable performances and stands out as being the side’s only player to record a goal in the six games since the restart. The Argentinian has also managed seven assists this season, making himself a target for a number of lower table teams. Whilst Chelsea’s defence shouldn’t have too much to worry about, it will surely be this dynamic pair who stand the best chance of causing any sort of upset.

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