Chelsea vs Norwich predicted XI: Back to 3-4-2-1 with injuries?

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Chelsea’s English defender Reece James celebrates scoring the winning penalty during the English League Cup third round football match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge in London on September 22, 2021. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

Reece James should make a start in this one. Norwich presents the perfect opportunity for the Englishman to make his first start since the Manchester City loss last month. He’s been making sub appearances though, which go a long way in building his match sharpness. When fully fit, James is a staple in the Chelsea side, with his most memorable game so far being the Arsenal game, scoring and assisting, as well as creating chances and being solid defensively.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic probably starts this one considering the opponents in question. He did not start against Malmo in midweek and there’s reason to believe he was being rested. Kovacic has been Chelsea’s best midfielder so far this campaign. His dribbling, passing and work rate have been outstanding, even without adding his goal involvements. Kovacic leads Chelsea in assists and already has a goal to his name in the Premier League this season.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

Jorginho remains Chelsea’s designated penalty taker. Jorginho’s performance against Malmo was out of this world. He completed 100 percent of two crosses, 75 percent of four long balls and also won eight out of 11 duels. Jorginho was also outstanding off the ball; applying the second most pressures (20), winning the second most pressures (5) and made 11 tackles plus interceptions. He scored two penalty goals, as well. But after seeing his other numbers, the goals seem to be in the background now, don’t they?

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso was very good in his cameo against Malmo. He came on for the final 26 minutes of the match and created three chances. For reference, that’s as many as Mason Mount had in 90 minutes, and he was also very good. Alonso lost his place to Ben Chilwell after the Juventus match, however, he had been superb up until that point (minus the Manchester City match). He still leads the Blues in chances created per game and ranks second for defenders in progressive passes. Tuchel will want to manage as many minutes as he possibly can, especially with two injuries in a single match already. Norwich provides the perfect opportunity for that

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