Numbers don’t lie
Chelsea have not been defeated by the Canaries since 10 December 1994. On that day, the Blues left the Carrow Road being battered 3-0. Since then, the teams faced each other 15 times in the Premier League and FA Cup. Only 4 of those games ended with a draw (all of them goalless), with Chelsea prevailing in the other eleven fixtures.
Lampard’s positive experience
The Blues did not have the pleasure of playing against Norwich last season, but our new manager did, with the favourable results. After a 1-1 draw at Pride Park, Derby County defeated the eventual title winners 4-3, with Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori netting a goal each. On the other hand, the Canaries’ top scorer Teemu Pukki scored twice.
Norwich’s strength is not underestimated
The Norfolk side have proved themselves ready for the Premier League without major changes in the squad: the same keeper, the same defensive line, the same striker (the aforementioned Pukki) and, most importantly, the same system under Daniel Farke. Frank Lampard knows better than to make light of the opposition.
Time for our strikers to shine
On the other hand, Norwich conceded four goals from Liverpool which suggests they may have issues at the back. Chelsea so far have scored only once, thanks to Mount, so our forwards must be pretty hungry. Whoever leads the Blues’ frontline tomorrow is likely have chances to find the back of the net but should finally convert them.
Batteries recharged
So far, the pattern has been simple: Frank Lampard’s team start strongly but gets too exhausted at the end of the game. The physical fitness was always likely to be important for the side that preaches intensive football. After plaing three matches in seven days, the Blues finally received a break which can play a part in the Carrow Road showdown.
And why do you think Chelsea must win tomorrow’s game?