@ZAPunter takes a look at the English Premier League match between Norwich City and Chelsea which takes place on Saturday 24th August
NORWICH VS CHELSEA, SATURDAY @ 13:30:
Norwich will look to build on their first win of the new Premier League season against Newcastle last weekend when they host Frank Lampard’s Chelsea in Satruday’s early kick-off. Daniel Farke will be very pleased with his players from the 2nd half of their game vs Liverpool and on to a very impressive 3-1 victory. Norwich who had virtually no money to spend in the transfer window, looked right at home last weekend. Chelsea on the other hand will need to be more clinical and not lose their structure during the match. Fans will give Super Frank Lampard more time than other managers and will be excited by the academy players getting their opportunities. Both teams have been enjoyable to watch and the early kick off on Saturday should not disappoint.
NORWICH:
Farke will be pleased with his teams start to the season and may see this as the perfect opportunity to play Chelsea. Finnish striker Teemu Pukki continued his excellent form from last season by scoring 4 goals in 2 matches thus far. Keeping Pukki firing will be key in the Canaries surviving relegation and hopefully local lad Cantwell can continue his great form. One negative Norwich has, is their tendency to concede goals, this should be a recurring theme, especially against the top teams. Norwich xGf stands at 1.39 and xGa 1.55, seeing that both games have been entertaining, it’s understandable, but we should start seeing a decline in Norwich’s results.
CHELSEA:
The Blues once again started brightly last weekend against Leicester, only to look flat in the 2nd half and come away with a point on Frank Lampard home game as manager. There was enough bright sparks in both matches so far this season and the club legend will be optimistic to turn things around. Mason Mount has been the stand out player for Chelsea and scored his first senior goal for the club last weekend. Part of Lampard’s sides dip in performances during matches may be down to youth and the travelling to the Super Cup game in Istanbul, having the whole week to prepare they will be more prepared. Chelsea’s xGf is 1.13 and xGa 1.65, showing not enough clear cut opportunities created, and potentially very leaky at the back. Stats never tell us the full story and Chelsea has been competitive enough that this Saturday’s game is winnable.
PROBABLE LINE-UPS AND TEAM NEWS:
Norwich: 4-2-3-1
Krul,
Aarons, Godfrey, Klose, Lewis,
Leitner, Trybull,
Cantwell, Stiepermann, Buendia,
Pukki.
*Lewis might be doubtful (thigh cramps), Klose hopeful to be ready for the weekend and Hernandez, Zimmermann and Drmic are all still unavailable.
Chelsea: 4-3-3
Arrizabalaga,
Azpilicueta, Zouma, Christensen, Emerson,
Kante, Jorginho, Mount,
Willian, Giroud, Pulisic.
*No new injuries for the Chelsea. Pedro likely to be dropped for Willian.
PREDICTION:
Chelsea will come good this weekend vs a less talented team in Norwich. The Blues desperately need the win and they had the full week to prepare. Norwich games always see goals and nothing less is expected on Saturday, but Chelsea’s quality in the final third should show and I see them scoring 2 or more goals. Norwich as defensively limited, especially in terms of their centre backs pace and they should be exposed again just like against Liverpool. I priced Chelsea around 1.65 and will once again get value at the current price.
BETTING:
2 Unit - BET OF THE WEEKEND: Chelsea – Win – 1.81 @ BetOlimp
Current Premier League Record: Week 1 – Week 2
Overall Record: 4-4 (-0.59 Units)
Best Bet Record: 2-0 (+2.19 Units)
Last Week: 3-1 (+0.97 Units)
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
@ZAPunter
