Preview: Chelsea vs Norwich

Preview: Chelsea vs Norwich

After a string of good away results that has seen us beat our London rivals Arsenal and Champions League newbies Nordsjaelland, Chelsea finally return to Stamford Bridge to take on Norwich City. Norwich City the same side where we were fortunate enough to witness Juan Mata for the first time in a Chelsea blue. Mata scored that day in a 3-1 win coming on as a substitute.

Chelsea will go into this game hoping to bag their 5th straight win something they haven't achieved since 2010. On the other hand Norwich are enduring their worst start to a Premier League season. History suggests that Norwich don't travel that well to Stamford Bridge, losing on each of their last five visits and conceding a whopping 17 goals in the process, while managing just one of their own.

Goals are something that have been hard to come by Norwich City boss Chris Houghton. The 2 goals scored last week by Holt and Morisson doubled the goals tally for Norwich's campaign so far. It has gone all wrong so far for new boss Houghton as he is still in search for his first win of the season. Their defense is the 2nd worst in the league having conceded 13 goals in 6 league games so far.

The last 5 meetings at Stamford Bridge between the 2 sides :

 Chelsea won 2-0 - Premier League
Chelsea won 4-0 - FA Cup
Chelsea won 4-0 - Premier League
Chelsea won 4-0 - FA Cup
Chelsea won 3-1 - Premier League

Team News and Expected Lineup: 

Chelsea: Chelsea go into this game with Daniel Sturridge still out due to a hamstring injury, though Di Matteo suggest that the player will be fit after the international break. Sturridge has missed the  last 5 games due to injury. There were a few changes made by Di Matteo in the 4-0 win over Nordsjaelland with Moses and Lampard replacing Ramires and Hazard. Manager Roberto Di Matteo must decide once again which players to recall and which to rest at Stamford Bridge. Di Matteo might give Marko Marin and Cesar Azpilicueta their first taste of league football after both made their debut against Wolves in the Capital One Cup few weeks back.

Norwich City: Norwich, meanwhile, could have centre-back Sebastien Bassong back from a hamstring problem at Chelsea. Winger Anthony Pilkington (back) has returned to training and could be in contention. Full-back Steven Whittaker (ankle) continues his rehabilitation, while on-loan Tottenham striker Harry Kane is sidelined by a broken metatarsal.

Stats:

• Norwich last won at Chelsea in the Premier League in October 1993, 19 years ago.
• Chelsea are unbeaten so far, with 16 points from a possible 18, their best start since 2009-10 when they last won the title.
• With three points from their opening six games, Norwich have made their worst start to a Premier League season in their history. 

Player to watch: Juan Mata-  After coming back from his extended leave, Juan Mata is back to his usual self providing 4 assists in his last 4 games. Mata was instrumental in Chelsea's 2-1 win over Arsenal where he scored 1 and set up Torres's goal as well. After scoring on his debut last season against Norwich, Mata will be hoping for a similar performance when the 2 sides meet on Saturday.

Prediction: Chelsea 4-0 Norwich

Shikharr Chandra (@ShikharrC)

ChelseaFC 2012- 13 | Here To Impress | HD

TweetFollow @CFC360Official