Aakarsh Bommakanti
Predicted Chelsea Line-up To Face Norwich City In The FA Cup
Antonio Conte’s men failed to retain their 2nd place in the points table, after their 2-2 draw vs Arsenal on Wednesday. They are now at 3rd place and will need to find some consistency, to qualify for Europe next season. However, they are now getting ready for the 3rd round of the FA Cup, which is played this week.
Just days after their trip to the Emirates, they are back in action this weekend, in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. Conte’s men have a tricky trip to the Carrow Road, to face a Norwich City side that has been in decent form in the Championship this season. It will not be easy for Chelsea to run away with a win but Conte can field a strong XI, given that his team are not back in action for another week.
Team News
In early team news, Chelsea have no new injury issues to worry about, ahead of this game. Defender David Luiz and attacker Charly Musonda missed the game against Arsenal but are back in training and could play a role in this game.
Probable Chelsea XI
Formation: 3-4-3
Manager: Antonio Conte
GK – Willy Caballero
A specialist in cup games for Chelsea this season, Caballero, should get another chance in goal this weekend, giving Thibaut Courtois a break.
CB – Ethan Ampadu
The 17-year old started a couple of League Cup games earlier in the season and going by his performances, he deserves to start this game against Norwich.
CB – David Luiz
The Brazilian has lost the plot at Stamford Bridge, falling out of favour under Antonio Conte. However, he is finally back from an injury and might get his chance this weekend.
CB – Antonio Rudiger
The German was Chelsea’s best defender against the Potters and was rested against Arsenal. He is expected to take his place in the backline against Norwich.
RWB – Davide Zappacosta
Victor Moses remains Conte’s first choice wing-back but Zappacosta needs games to adjust to the English league and should start this game as a wing-back on the right flank.
CM – Cesc Fabregas
The Spaniard has not been at his best in recent games and was not used in the game against Stoke. He was subbed off early against Arsenal and could get a start in this FA Cup tie.
CM – Danny Drinkwater
After a decent outing earlier in the week, Drinkwater is expected to keep his place in the midfield to add some stability.
LWB – Kenedy
With Marcos Alonso needing some serious rest, Conte should hand Kenedy a start, as he’s the only other option at left wing-back.
RW – Willian
Though he scored a goal against Stoke, Willian was dropped for the game against Arsenal and could get his chance to impress again this weekend.
LW – Pedro
Had a superb outing against the Potters but was unable to break into the side that travelled to the Emirates on Wednesday. He is expected to start on the left wing in this cup game.
ST – Michy Batshuayi
Alvaro Morata has not been consistent enough for Chelsea’s liking but should get some rest. He should be replaced by Batshuayi, Conte’s only other recognised striker in the first-team.
