Three things to look for in Chelsea at Norwich: Basement boys

Norwich City's US striker Josh Sargent (L) vies with Chelsea's German defender Antonio Rudiger during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge in London on October 23, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Norwich City’s US striker Josh Sargent (L) vies with Chelsea’s German defender Antonio Rudiger during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge in London on October 23, 2021. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

3. An uncertain back line

It would appear that Andreas Christensen’s time as a Blues defender is coming to an end. With a third of the season remaining, it will be interesting to see if Tuchel plays the Dane and if he does, how he performs. There’s nothing to suggest he’ll be anything other than professional during his last months in London. To his credit, he has said he wouldn’t play anywhere else in England and his likely new home will be Barcelona. It’s easy to forget that Christensen was originally a part of the youth academy and although he’s been with the club nine years, appearances have barely hit 100.

Malang Sarr has recently, like Christensen, stepped up from the loan army to join the senior squad. At times, he has looked a real prospect, at others not so much. That’s the nature of young footballers though, we shouldn’t expect too much too soon. Likewise, Trevoh Chalobah is treading a similar path to Sarr, with real potential, but not there yet. The future is looking bright though.

Looking forward, there are doubts as to whether Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger will still be with the club when next season starts. Personally, I hope both are around for the next few years at least. Azpilicueta is a club legend, Rudiger is a real character. Thankfully, Thiago Silva will still be here and I hold my hands up when I say I wasn’t expecting much of the Brazilian when he arrived. I couldn’t have been more wrong, he’s been immense.

It’s on the wing where the Blues really excel though. There’s no uncertainty when it comes to the wingbacks being so crucial in Tuchel’s system. In Reece James and Ben Chilwell, Chelsea has two of the best in the world. With Chilwell still out, Norwich will have to work incredibly hard to keep James at bay. His return from injury has been lethal and swift. The Blues may miss out on the Premier League again this season, but the signs are good for the future if only the change of ownership can be as smooth as Gilmour waving goodbye to the Norwich City boo-boys.

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What are some of the things you’ll be looking for at Carrow Road? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!

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