Despite playing in the Champions League in midweek, Chelsea face what should be a straightforward home encounter against Norwich City on Saturday.
Chelsea vs. Norwich 2012, Premier League Week 7: Game time and TV schedule
Chelsea are heavy favourites to overpower a struggling Norwich City at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.
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Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo has almost a full squad at his disposal, and will be confident of victory against a Norwich side enuring their worst-ever start to a Premier League season. After a 4-0 win against Nordsjaelland in the Champions League, the Italian could still opt to rotate his squad. John Terry is not yet serving his ban and could return to the side for the game, while right-back Cesar Azpilicueta could be in line for his first Premier League start.
The Canaries have had a difficult start to the season, with no wins, three losses and three draws from their opening six games, and the chances of breaking that duck against top-of-the-table Chelsea will be slim, particularly with the injury problems in the Norwich squad.
Manager Chris Hughton will know that to take anything from the game will be a huge bonus. In the last round of fixtures, he saw his side humiliated 5-1 at home to Liverpool, and Norwich must at least avoid a similar humiliation if they do not want the pressure to mount at such an early stage of the season.
Chelsea injuries and suspensions
Out: Daniel Sturridge (hamstring)
Norwich injuries and suspensions
Out: Steven Whittaker (ankle), Harry Kane (metatarsal), Simon Lappin. In doubt: Anthony Pilkington (back), Sebastien Bassong (hamstring.)
Chelsea have only one injury problem, with Daniel Sturridge continuing his recuperation from a hamstring injury. The England striker is, however, expected to be available for international duty when England play their next fixtures.
Norwich, in contrast, have plenty of problems, with key players Anthony Pilkington and Sebastien Bassong both huge doubts for the game, while Harry Kane, Simon Lappin, and Steven Whittaker are certain to miss out. With the additional pressure on Chris Hughton to drop some members of the team that lost heavily to Liverpool, Norwich’s lineup is difficult to predict.
Match Date/Time: 3 p.m. local, 10 a.m. ET
Venue: Stamford Bridge, London, England
TV: Fox Deportes, Fox Soccer Channel (U.S.), Sportsnet Regional (Canada)
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