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Chelsea vs Norwich: Three things to look for in David vs. Goliath game

By Gabe Henderson

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: Thomas Tuchel the head coach / manager of Chelsea celebrates after his team scores the opening goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Super Cup 2021 Final between Chelsea FC and Villarreal CF at Windsor Park on August 11, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: Thomas Tuchel the head coach / manager of Chelsea celebrates after his team scores the opening goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Super Cup 2021 Final between Chelsea FC and Villarreal CF at Windsor Park on August 11, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Chelsea’s English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi during the Champions League group H football match between Chelsea and Malmo FF at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2021. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German midfielder Kai Havertz celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with Chelsea’s English midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi during the Champions League group H football match between Chelsea and Malmo FF at Stamford Bridge in London on October 20, 2021. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

2. How do injuries impact tactics?

The last slide touched on it a bit but two fresh injuries are sure to impact the Blues’ starting XI on Saturday. Both Lukaku and Werner left Wednesday’s game against Malmo with leg injuries. The Belgian rolled his ankle beneath a defender following a reckless challenge on him in the box halfway through the first 45 against the Swedish side. Chelsea’s injury woes continued about 20 minutes later when Werner appeared to suffer a phantom hamstring injury. He—like Lukaku—was quickly replaced and ruled out for the foreseeable future.

Before the striker duo picked up injuries, Christian Pulisic was the only player the Blues were missing after Antonio Rudiger and Hakim Ziyech recovered from their knocks. 45 minutes later and Chelsea faces another potential injury crisis. Havertz is the only individual capable of lining up as a lone forward now that Lukaku and Werner are out. Therefore, his status for Saturday is not in question, he’s an absolute lock.

What about the other spots up top?

There will undoubtedly be an outcry of support for Callum Hudson-Odoi to get his shot on the left wing. The Cobham product replaced Werner against Malmo and made his impact known instantly. He made a darting run across the pitch to pick out Havertz in the final third for an assist on his side’s third goal of the night. Hudson-Odoi has excelled when lining up on his natural left side this season, so he certainly provides an option. Nevertheless, Tuchel will likely opt for experience. Ziyech is finally fit again and a game against the worst team in the division gives the Moroccan a chance to find his footing ahead of more important fixtures. Mason Mount will also surely play a part on whichever wing requires his services.

The presence of wingers means Chelsea will probably abandon the 3-5-2 for the time being. Havertz is already a temporary solution up top, Tuchel surely wouldn’t risk dropping points trying to plug another player in at an unnatural position. Nevertheless, the 3-4-3’s return could see Mateo Kovacic or Ruben Loftus-Cheek inserted into the midfield to add an attacking presence. The Blues will play their normal style of high-intensity football though, despite the shape.

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