Chelsea fans’ preferred lineup against Norwich City: Loftus-Cheek, Giroud, Alonso to start

Chelsea are still very much capable of securing Champions League football for next season, despite a diabolical performance at the weekend. Today, we take on an already relegated Norwich City and, on paper, the easiest of our last three games. However, nothing’s ever really easy with this team these days...

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

The WAGNH community made some changes to the starting eleven, but not the formation, where the 4-3-3 again easily beats out the 4-2-3-1 (21%). Also, Kepa Arrizabalaga keeps his spot in goal ahead of Willy Caballero (27%) ... for now.

The only two defenders who convinced in the voting were César Azpilicueta and Kurt Zouma. Four others all scored between 52-56%, with Marcos Alonso (56%) and Reece James (56%) edging out Andreas Christensen (54%) and Antonio Rüdiger (52%). Alonso got a couple more votes than James, so he gets the starting nod, but unless we move him (or Azpilicueta) to center back, Christensen would have to come in instead of James.

It’s straight back to the bench for Jorginho (33%) in midfield, with faith being placed in Mateo Kovačić, who’s set to return from his Achilles injury. And speaking of Achilles injuries, the community wants to see Ruben Loftus-Cheek get his first second start since rupturing his 13 months ago. Mason Mount completes a very attacking midfield trio ahead of Ross Barkley (42%).

Up front, the attacking trident is led by the imposing Olivier Giroud who easily beats out Tammy Abraham (12%). Christian Pulisic remains arguably the first name on the team sheet while neither Pedro (11%) nor Callum Hudson-Odoi (31%) have done enough to sway voters towards them despite Willian not making an impact against Norwich.

4-3-3 (67%):
Arrizabalaga (70%) | Alonso (56%), Zouma (90%), Christensen (54%), Azpilicueta (91%) | Loftus-Cheek (51%), Kovačić (91%), Mount (74%) | Pulisic (88%), Giroud (86%), Willian (67%)

PREFERRED LINEUP

Given the amount of ridiculously subpar performances on Saturday, some radical changes seem like a good idea. While I’d still give the benefit of the doubt to James ahead of Alonso, and I’d like to see Hudson-Odoi inject some directness into our attack.

Don’t let me down, Chelsea.

4-3-3:
Arrizabalaga | Azpilicueta, Zouma, Christensen, James | Loftus-Cheek, Kovačić, Mount | Pulisic, Giroud, Hudson-Odoi

COME ON, YOU BLUES!