NORWICH host Chelsea in Saturday’s early Premier League kick-off. Chris Clark (@ChrisClark1975) shares his verdict.
Norwich v Chelsea | Saturday 24th August 2019, 12:30 | BT Sport
Goals. That’s what we tend to see at Carrow Road.
Last season there were 85 goals in Norwich’s 23 league games. This term there have already been four in the Canaries’ opening contest here against Newcastle. And with Frank Lampard still getting to grips with how his Chelsea side should operate, you should expect plenty more on Saturday lunchtime.
Norwich have carried on their cavalier approach from their Championship-winning campaign, and have already fired in 27 shots at goal in two games. The Canaries had 12 attempts at Anfield – unheard of for an away side at Liverpool. Daniel Farke’s stay in the Premier League might only be brief, but what a way to go about your business. It’s refreshing.
Teemu Pukki has carried on his ridiculous goalscoring form from last season too, and with a striker clearly running hot and in the mood, the 21/10 with SkyBet for the Finnish hitman to have at least two shots on-target against Chelsea is exceptional value.
Chelsea, meanwhile, look a definite work in progress. The Blues have appeared porous at the back, and lack a top-six front-man. However, games like Saturday’s are ideal for a forward of Olivier Giroud’s ability, and his hold-up play should enable Lampard’s outfit to create plenty of chances at Carrow Road.
In fact, Chelsea have already had 32 shots at goal themselves, and that lack of a clinical striker, I believe, will cost the Blues a top-four finish, and possibly even a top-six place this season.
Chelsea have real issues being caught on the break, as when they attack only Jorginho, who has real mobility issues in the Premier League, the centre-backs and right-back Cesar Aziplicueta are left at the back. Emerson has licence to get forward from full-back, and has no real desire in defending. Entertaining to watch for the neutral, but for Chelsea fans it’s concerning. If Leicester had been more composed in the second half at Stamford Bridge, they would have walked away with the points.
Blues fans will point towards the opening 20 minutes against Leicester, as a blueprint for how they want to play this season. But the West Londoners must take their chances, and as mentioned above, that lack of a decent striker could cost them dear.
Norwich will attack. Chelsea will attack. However, the visitors’ array of attacking midfielders – Christian Pulisic, Pedro, Willian, Mason Mount and Ross Barkley – should help Lampard’s charges prevail in an entertaining encounter. The Blues can be backed to come out on top in a game featuring Both Teams To Score at an appetising 43/20 (888).
TOPICS Football Premier League TipsBest Bets
Norwich v Chelsea – Chelsea to win and Both Teams To Score (43/20 888)
Norwich v Chelsea – Teemu Pukki to have 2+ shots on-target (21/10 SkyBet)
