90min

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Norwich - Premier League

By Krishan Davis

Tuchel has a near-fully fit squad to choose from
Tuchel has a near-fully fit squad to choose from / Lewis Storey/GettyImages
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Chelsea will continue their quest to keep up with Liverpool and keep away from the chasing pack when they visit Norwich on Thursday night.

The Blues currently find themselves marooned in third place in the Premier League - under no real threat of being caught by the muddle of sides battling for fourth place, but with no genuine hope of catching Liverpool in second.

With that in mind and the Champions League returning next week, head coach Thomas Tuchel may look to rotate.

Here's the Chelsea team he could pick for the trip to Carrow Road...

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

Malang Sarr
Sarr could be in line for a start / Craig Mercer/MB Media/GettyImages

Edouard Mendy (GK) - The number one is one of the few guaranteed starters in the team.

Trevoh Chalobah (CB) - Has impressed recently and absences elsewhere mean he could continue here.

Andreas Christensen (CB) - The Dane is very close to joining Barcelona and was left on the bench last time out, but Tuchel could use him here with Thiago Silva probably in need of another midweek break.

Malang Sarr (CB) - A match against the basement boys even offers the chance to give Antonio Rudiger a rest. Sarr is well suited to the left side of a back three.

2. Wing-back & midfielders

N'Golo Kante
Kante should start / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

Cesar Azpilicueta (RWB) - Returned to training after a knock earlier in the week and could come straight into the team. Reece James has a fresh muscle injury.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - Chelsea's midfield is seemingly always kept fresh without being significantly weakened. It could well be Kovacic's chance to start here.

N'Golo Kante (CM) - Excellent as ever last time out in his 70 minutes on the pitch. Expect him to be everywhere from the start at Carrow Road.

Saul Niguez (LWB) - Did well at the weekend covering for the injured Ben Chilwell and Covid-stricken Marcos Alonso. Tuchel revealed Alonso had been symptomatic, so Saul may continue despite his compatriot's return to training.

3. Forwards

Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner
Lukaku and Werner need some minutes / James Williamson - AMA/GettyImages

Hakim Ziyech (RF) - The in-form Moroccan has recovered from an Achilles injury and could return to the team here. His vision and shooting from distance could be key.

Romelu Lukaku (ST) - Left on the bench again against the Clarets, this is a good chance to give Lukaku some minutes and he should be looking to score against vulnerable opposition.

Timo Werner (LF) - Can't buy a Premier League start at the moment, but he combined well with Lukaku in the FA Cup last week and this is a good opportunity to give in-form Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic a break.

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