Chelsea at Norwich City: Premier League gambling guide

If last weekend’s victory was any indication of things to come, the next few Chelsea matches should be extremely entertaining for the club’s supporters. The Blues are in the midst of a run of fixtures against relegation candidates that will likely play a big part in defining the success of their 2021/22 season. The offensive outburst at Turf Moor finally demonstrated the team’s ability to break down a defensive-minded side, one of the stingiest in the English top flight in Burnley. Against Norwich City, things should be much simpler.

While this stretch of games against weaker opposition is a blessing for the Club World Cup Champions’ Premier League points tally, it won’t be beneficial for us gamblers. The value on Chelsea’s moneyline odds will probably be worse than usual, so I’ll be primarily focusing on the Asian Handicap and props in the meantime. I particularly love anytime goalscorer bets for their value, many more of which should be cashing as the Blues face off against the worst the English top flight has to offer.

Here is the gambling guide as Chelsea travels to Carrow Road to take on Norwich

It may have taken place all the way back in October, but this Premier League season’s initial contest between Chelsea and the Canaries was an absolute spanking. The European Champions dispatched of Norwich, 7-0, a result that likely contributed to Daniel Farke’s sacking less than a month later. Gambling on a similar result would not be a wise decision, but the Blues still possess a significantly more talented squad and should win the match handily. I won’t be mad at any bet on the Asian Handicap favoring Chelsea by 1.5 goals or more.

All of that being said, this new-look Norwich City under Dean Smith has put together a recent string of solid performances, even if the results haven’t been following. The Canaries have found the back of the net in seven of their previous 10 matches, with Teemu Pukki somehow still leading the team’s admittedly feeble forward line at 31 years of age. Thomas Tuchel’s defense is more than capable of shutting out Norwich for a second time this season (odds -130), and the diminutive Finn already displayed his penchant for a late consolation goal last time out against Brentford. I’d be shocked to see him do it again.

Chelsea will need to take advantage of early scoring opportunities, as have Norwich’s last three opponents. Bretford, Liverpool and Southampton all struck before the Canaries could organize themselves and settle into the flow of the match. This made tactical adjustments particularly difficult for the basement-dwelling Premier League side that has problems in possession as things stand already. We already know that being clinical is not a strong suit of this Blues squad, but converting quality chances in the first half will be a necessity on Thursday.

Official odds (via WynnBet as of March 9)

Chelsea ML: -345
Norwich City ML: +1100
Draw: +455
Over/Under: 3.5 (+180/-235)

My picks

Smith’s Norwich will certainly be more prepared than Farke’s was during the first meeting between these two sides, but I still favor a multi-goal victory for Chelsea. I’ll take the Blues with the Asian Handicap -1.5 goals at -115 odds, but the visitors -2 at +155 is pretty enticing, as well. I’m also bucking the Canaries’ scoring trend and betting a Chelsea clean sheet (-130). For my final pick, I like the Blues to win the first half, also at -130. Going three for three last week was massive for our momentum, and I’m feeling pretty confident about repeating perfection here.

What is one of the bets you’ll be looking to make on Thursday? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!