A return of 25 goals in the last six matches suggests that things are going in the right direction for Chelsea, but consistency is the key during the Christmas period. This is because Chelsea can add 9 points to the total before the next break in the league comes in the form of the FA Cup third round. A 1-0 victory is more than enough at this stage of the season. This is a point that has been stressed by Benitez ahead of the match with Norwich City.
Chelsea are a massive 11 points behind United and there simply cannot be any more dropped points if the Premier League title is an ambition.
The 8-0 win over Aston Villa is the perfect tonic that the team needed. It is also a score that instils fear in the minds of the opposition. Norwich might have suffered two defeats in the last three matches, but they are still an extremely formidable opposition at home. They have lost just one match in more than two months of football at Carrow Road.
Chelsea struggled against Norwich the last time we made the trip to Carrow Road. However, with Torres in sparkling form, things are expected to be better this time around. Norwich have prided themselves in keeping a tight defence, but they have not kept a clean sheet in the last five matches.
Benitez is expected to rotate significantly with the Everton game in mind. Playing against Norwich is certainly tough, but the Everton game is even more difficult. Hence, players like Lampard can be expected to be rested for the trip to Goodison Park. Terry and Romeu will be unavailable once again.
Chelsea made great start to the Christmas period with the 8-0 victory. It is extremely vital that they maintain the momentum over the course of next three matches as well.
Rafa Benitez ahead of the Norwich match:
“The main thing for us now is to be consistent – like we were on Sunday – and win games. It’s very simple, but also difficult.
“We approach every game in a serious manner, but against any Premier League team it will be difficult, that’s for sure.”
Possible team line-up:
Norwich City (4-4-2): Bunn, Whittaker, Garrido, Turner, Bassong, Tettey, Hoolahan, Snodgrass, Pilkington, Johnson, Morrison
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cole, Ramires, Oscar, Mata, Hazard, Moses, Torres
