Chelsea fans’ preferred lineup against Norwich City: Loftus-Cheek to start!

While Thomas Tuchel enthusiast Daniel Farke’s Norwich City sit at the bottom of the Premier League, Chelsea have our own problems to deal with right now. Someone must have forgotten to make a sacrifice to the injury gods, as the midweek win cost the Blues most of our striking options. Could the lineup now include a surprise or two?

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

With the Brentford game as the latest reminder, Kepa Arrizabalaga (12%) has little hope at the moment of dethroning goalkeeping hero Édouard Mendy. And while 3-5-2 (13%) may have made a few appearances recently, the WAGNH community continue to hold firmly onto the successful 3-4-3.

Thiago Silva just barely beats out Trevoh Chalobah (49%) for the third spot in the backline alongside usual starters Antonio Rüdiger and Andreas Christensen. Malang Sarr (12%) is the distant fifth choice. On the wings, Reece James and Ben Chilwell play ahead of veteran duo César Azpilicueta (34%) and Marcos Alonso (33%).

It’s a very close race in midfield, but the reborn Ruben Loftus-Cheek leads the way, which is pretty magical indeed. N’Golo Kanté narrowly beats out (46%) and Mateo Kovačić (49%) for the second spot. Ross Barkley (6%) and Saúl (8%) remain in the shadows.

Unlike in defense and midfield, there’s little debate about the three starters up front. Kai Havertz, who led all players in voting, has struggled slightly in recent times, but the injuries of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku should provide him the necessary chance to get back into form. The same can be said of Callum Hudson-Odoi, who starts in his natural position on the wing, as well as Mason Mount. Hakim Ziyech (29%) was the only other option available.

3-4-3 (79%)
Mendy (88%) | Rüdiger (84%), Silva (51%), Christensen (77%) | Chilwell (66%), Loftus-Cheek (60%), Kanté (51%), James (83%) | Hudson-Odoi (75%), Havertz (97%), Mount (89%)

MY PREFERRED CHOICE

Having Loftus-Cheek in the pivot could prove a sound and very entertaining decision. But instead of Kanté, I’d pair him with Kovačić, as they have developed a good understanding already.

Otherwise, there weren’t a lot of alternatives. The attacking band chooses itself, and the defense is a no-brainer, too. We could have Alonso rotate in for Chilwell, but that’s not an absolute necessity.

COME ON, YOU BLUES!!!

3-4-3
Mendy | Rüdiger, Silva, Christensen | Alonso, Loftus-Cheek, Kovačić, James | Hudson-Odoi, Havertz, Mount