Norwich vs Chelsea Preview, Team News, Likely Line-ups & Predicted Score

Chelsea take on Norwich City at Carrow Road on Boxing Day looking to continue their recent fine form.

Interim boss Rafa Benitez seems to be winning over sections of the Stamford Bridge faithful after a difficult start to life in West London. The Blues head into the game off the back of Sunday’s 8-0 thrashing of Aston Villa which moved them back into third and seven points behind second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand.

However, Norwich are in decent form themselves with Saturday’s 2-1 loss to West Brom their first defeat in 11 matches. Chris Houghton’s men currently sit 10th in the league table and just five points off fourth-placed Arsenal.

The Canaries have already proven they are capable of beating anyone at Carrow Road with Arsenal and Manchester United already tasting defeat there this season, so Chelsea will know they’re in for a game today.

Team News

Chelsea have no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game so Benitez may opt to stick with the eleven that battered Villa at the weekend. That would mean Brazilian David Luiz would continue in his midfield role – which he impressed in on Sunday.

Ramires may be the only change if Rafa decides to shake things up a little with Frank Lampard likely to make way after starting the last three games.

Oscar will also be hoping for a start after Sunday’s impressive cameo off the bench while Ryan Bertrand is likely to be in contention after recovering from a groin problem. Captain John Terry is still out with a knee injury and Oriol Romeu is out for the season with damaged knee ligaments.

Norwich are sweating on the fitness of striker Grant Holt who missed the defeat to WBA with a hamstring strain, but he’s expected to be passed fit to face the Blues today. Steven Whittaker is struggling with a knock and may join Andrew Surman, Ryan Bennett and John Ruddy on the sidelines.

Likely Line-ups

Predicted Score

Despite Norwich’s impressive scalps at Carrow Road we can see the European champions winning this one. Chelsea are starting to click under Benitez and were superb against Villa on Sunday, if they can repeat anything like that kind of form today Norwich will be in for a long afternoon. Norwich 0-2 Chelsea

What would your team be and what’s your score prediction? Get involved in the comments section below.