Chelsea v Norwich City - Match Preview

Venue: Stamford Bridge Kick-Off: 3pm The early season pace setters Chelsea find themselves at home this week to a Norwich side that has struggled to overcome the turbulent departure of former manager Paul Lambert over the summer. Last week saw them on the end of a 5-2 thumping at home to Liverpool, and with arguably a better team in store for them this week, it could be damage limitation for Chris Hughton's men. That approach to the game will look particularly attractive for Canaries fans when you take into consideration that Norwich have now conceded in 36 consecutive away games in the Premier League. Chelsea on the other hand come off the back of an unconvincing win in the Champions League midweek, which despite their performance still saw them run out 4-0 winners. The early signs look good for the new look Chelsea side under Roberto Di Matteo's leadership, and he will be hoping for a performance to go along with the result this weekend.

Team News

Chelsea don't have too many concerns ahead of the game against Norwich, though Roberto Di Matteo will continue to be without Daniel Sturridge who has missed the last five matches thanks to a hamstring injury, though he should be back in a couple of weeks after the international break. Norwich will give a test to Sebastien Bassong who went off early against former club Newcastle two weeks ago with a hamstring injury, and Anthony Pilkington has returned to training following a back injury and could make his return to the pitch today. Meanwhile Steven Whittaker remains out with an ankle problem and loan striker Harry Kane will miss the game with a broken metatarsal.

Likely Line-Ups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole; Ramires, Mikel; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Torres. Norwich (4-4-2): Ruddy; R Martin, Barnett, Bassong, Garrido; Snodgrass, Howson, Johnson, Surman; Holt, Jackson. Prediction: 4-0 All in all, the signs do not look good for Norwich, and the likes of Eden Hazard and Oscar are likely to be licking their lips at the prospect of facing a team bereft of confidence. TV: Highlights on Match of the Day.