Norwich – Chelsea : Preview & Prediction
Time is slowly running out for Norwich, whose five-game winless run in the Premier League (PL) (E1, P4) means they are back in the basement of the table and sinking deeper and deeper week by week. The problems seem endless for Norwich, as they have the worst attack in the league and also record the second-worst defence. In fact, they have scored three times and conceded 13 times in that aforementioned five-game span.
So Carrow Road will have to act as the wind beneath the Canaries’ wings, although considering they have lost by two goals or more in six of their nine home defeats this season, the home fans will probably expect much the same when they host Chelsea. The 7-0 thrashing of Norwich in the first round match is the PL’s biggest thrashing this season and is the most recent defeat in an 18-match winless streak against the away side (E4, P14). With this record, it is difficult for Norwich to have any hope.
Sitting comfortably in third place in the PL with a run of three consecutive wins, and without conceding in any fixture, it shows that Chelsea are feeling good heading into this fixture despite the uncertainty surrounding the club as to who owns them (or will own them). The Blues have not conceded in any of their last 11 matches against Norwich and scored at least three goals in nine of those games.
After an explosive start to the second half against Burnley, things could turn ugly here at any time — no team has turned more half-time draws into end-of-game victories than Chelsea (six). What’s more, Thomas Tuchel’s side have scored a league-high 12 goals between the 46th and 60th minute.
Players to watch: Norwich’s Teemu Pukki has scored nine of his last 11 league goals at home, while Kai Havertz has scored the opener in eight of his last 11 games in which he has scored for Chelsea.
Key stat: In Europe’s top five leagues, only Manchester City (11) have won more league games when starting as away favourites than Chelsea (nine).
Norwich – Chelsea : Betting Tips
Chelsea Win & Over 2.5 Goals Odds: 2.25
