Norwich City vs. Chelsea, FA Cup: Half-time report

Antonio Conte lined up with a relatively strong, albeit rotated XI at Carrow Road, as Chelsea took to the field against mid-table Championship side Norwich. David Luiz returned after a lengthy injury lay-off, Danny Drinkwater and Michy Batshuayi were handed starts and Kenedy rotated in at left wing-back. Norwich set up with a 3-4-3 of their own, but without a recognised striker on the pitch. It’s worked to their advantage so far, in part thanks to Chelsea simply failing to turn up. The youthful attacking band of Josh Murphy, Alex Pritchard (who was also impressive against Chelsea for Swindon in the 13/14 season) and James Maddison have been combining well, causing our defence problems with their movement and pace.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have failed to show anything going forward with most attacks fizzling out without a trace. It’s been the most uninspiring first-half display in a while, perhaps some youthful exuberance to shake things up in the second half? Stay tuned.