Chelsea predicted XI: Minimal changes available for Norwich

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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 25: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea FC and Benjamin Pavard of FC Bayern Munich in action during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern Muenchen at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Defensive midfielder, Croatia

Jorginho’s “performance” after not playing since the restart was so terrible that it would be impossible to blame Lampard for not playing him again this season. With Billy Gilmour injured and N’Golo Kante a major doubt (and not one to risk against Norwich anyways), Kovacic taking the deepest role is really the only option short of moving Christensen up. Kovacic is more than capable and has to show he still has the magic of the early season in him.

Ross Barkley (No. 8) Central midfielder, England

Few players could at least say they briefly made an attempt against Sheffield. Barkley is one of those players. Overall, his future is uncertain simply because it feels like the potential is there but it is never a certainty as to whether it will be present on the day. He has done well since the restart in the dual eight system, but is that enough to keep him around for another season? That is a question Barkley still has to answer.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Central midfielder, England

Mount was one of the players sacrificed against Sheffield, which is pretty standard for Lampard as he goes from youth to experience. He, like Barkley, tried briefly to do something but had little ability to do so. But Lampard also does not have many (if any) other options for the midfield against Norwich, so expect to see Mount return.

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