Chelsea News 24/7Writer: Merlin 
Date:Wednesday December 26 2012
Time: 9:49AM
UK time is: 15:04:24
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Match Day Moments - Norwich (a)
And so it came to pass
The first of the festive fixtures appears on the horizon with Chelsea set to take the road east to Norfolk to take on Norwich City.
All rather apt that we`re off to turkey country for our first festive fixture isn`t it, beautiful as the much loved, but sadly departed Bernard Matthews would have said.
The big question being though - Can Rafa Benitez keep the momentum going, against a difficult side to play, following the 8-0 demolition of Aston Villa on Sunday?
Norwich are no mugs and Chris Hughton has continued the good work started by Paul Lambert, a defeat at the Hawthorns, against West Bromwich Albion, ended a ten game unbeaten run.
However, Norwich can be dismantled, as Aston Villa showed when they won 4-1, at Carrow Road, in the Capital One Cup. Can we replicate that, it remains to be seen.
However, on what we hope is an enjoyable festive beak for all Vital Chelsea members, please feel free to join us from 14:30 hours (UK time), whereby we`ll be on hand to discuss the starting eleven the tactics Rafa will employ and the action as it happens.
Come on Chelsea, let`s ruin Delia Smith`s Christmas, let`s be having you!
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Your Comments
hm...some football at last...the aston villa win got me looking forward to today's match a lot...I hope I am not disappointed..chelsea to get three points hopfully...and'll take any score line so long we win...go chelsea!!
layorh12
That picture is just horrid, my god
ForeverChels
My line up; Cech, Azip, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole, Luiz, Ramires, Oscar, Mata, Moses, Torres.
Kelly11
i hope 4 a chelsea win 2 day
Chelsea Champ
I am sure Mikel will play the next 2 matches and Luiz rest a bit as Mikel is off to the AFCON.
eddy_theeel
True the pic is nasty - very scary!
eddy_theeel
Cech, Azpi, Ivan, Cahill, Cole, Ramires, Luiz, Moses, Oscar, Mata, Torres. I can see Lampard and Hazard getting a bit of a rest today and playing from about 65mins onwards. Also another cameo for Piazon could be on the cards as the ladies played really well
Bizarre_Blue
I am not too confident about today's game due to norwich's high profile win and their defensiveness, I hope we win because we can't afford any further slipups, I think benitez should field the same lineup as the villa game and make his subs early.. Goodluck to us today and I can't wait to see more of piazon and marin, hopefully we'll win 2-0
Desmondadonis
cezar iva cahill cole...oscar luiz...haz mata moses...torres
shlok27
What I mean by norwich high profile wins is that, I noticed they beated manutd, tottenham and arsenal, isn't it? So I guess we should not be complacent and we can't always win with an eight goal margin, so rafa beware of complacency and tinkering
Desmondadonis
I have learnt to avoid getting ma hopes high post a fine game. The last time i got very excited after we hit top gear,or so i thought,i ended up heart broken. I just wish the squad will maintain that form and understand of the last match. Mikel will like come back to the starting line up going by Rafa's reputation for squad rotation and desire to keep the team fresh. However,i'd like the winning team to be maintained.
Ohans
Azpi-Iva-Luiz-Cole Mikel-Rami Marin- Oscar- Hazard Torres
SameX
Cech-Azi-Iva-Cahill-Cole-Ramires-Luiz - Moses-Oscar-Marin-Torres...subs...Mikel on for Luiz, Mata for Moses, Hazard/Piazon for Marin depending on Situation.
Blu_run
Read that Rafa wants to bring in Villa on Loan...Gr8 thing...I wanted him on transfer, but if it on loan, it is the best...In Summer, we can get the target we wanted (Falcao)...
Blu_run
I thought we are kicking off by 15:00, why are we not seeing the team news?
Desmondadonis
it should filter through soon!
merlin
4.00pm Nigerian time my bro.desmond but we ought to have seen the team news by now which is always released one hour to the kick off
obimikelisdbest
bbc are reporting traffic in West London is appalling - West Brom stuck in trafic and unlikely to arrive at QPR in time for the kick-off!
merlin
Interesting from Old Trafford...........There is no Wayne Rooney for Manchester United, as Javier Hernandez starts alongside Robin van Persie. Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs both start in midfield.
merlin
chelsea game not live in India???? any online stream plzz email me
kshadab@gmail.com
espn hd in india
Rishab
anyone got the starting eleven yet?
merlin
on HD its Manchester United vs. Newcastle United
kshadab@gmail.com
Chelsea subs: Subs: Turnbull, Ake, Ferreira, Lamps, Marin, Hazard, Piazon. #CFC
akshattyagi
Cech - Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole - Mikel, David Luiz - Mata, Oscar, Moses - Torres. #CFC
akshattyagi
Team v Norwich (4-2-3-1): Cech; Azpi,
Cahill, Iva, Cole; Mik, D Luiz; Moses, Oscar,
Mata; Torres. #CFC
Tunez
No Hazard.... I think its best, Oscar looks the better player. Should be interesting!
Ess...DaBison
oh no. no no no no no. are we saving lampard for everton? mikel should have started the everton game for ***** sake. Norwich are light in midfield.
Mia Maynard
hi guys, its been a while i came here, BTW MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR(a little late though) to you all, wishing you long and prosperity.
darilngblue
good line-up, all the best chelsea....
layorh12
anyone knows what happened to ramires???
layorh12
hazard needs a break. everton is the big game. no qualms there.
Mia Maynard
"@ESPNFC: Chelsea XI to face Norwich: Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole, Luiz, Mikel, Oscar, Moses, Mata, Torres."....hmmmmmm, let's wait and see
Desmondadonis
i think the line up is cool, but whats wrong with Ramires?
darilngblue
please i dont wanta see a pivot of Rammy - lampard against Everton, that wont be good, it cost us the corinthans game...anyways i can the worries for later..off to the pub mates!!
layorh12
We mean busisness for sure...no Hazard and our two best DM players...willl try to watch this even with my flu.
had2bg
I agree that we need to rest hazard, but that doesn't mean we should be complacent or underestimate this team, I'll be happy if we bag the 3 points at stake here
Desmondadonis
Luiz gets a more advanced role in Midfield,Oscar gets his starts in a premier league game under Rafa after ages. Good team line up,looks pretty strong.
nelyvanile
i know we can win this, its a must win these matches are winnable, the win against villa was a Christmas present no doubt but this win will be a bigger present, UP CHELSEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darilngblue
not a bad line up considering the options Rafa has. any news on rammy? he must be fit not to make even the bench.
Dwonder
Bar JT I think its our strongest line-up!
Ess...DaBison
Actually Ram would be in my line-up
Ess...DaBison
@Dwonder. Neil Barnet on Chelsea Tv confirms Rammy is out with a slight knee injury.
nelyvanile
Now back to the match.... will continue with the Lamp and JT contract issue after the game.... Guys, let's at least wait till then before we start complaining about line up for the Everton game....
Latunvic
am off but i hope this game will go well for us, a good day it will be if we win it, GO CHELSEA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
darilngblue
Betrand has not been making the team list of late...... Is Betrand injured?
Latunvic
#Loan Check...Lukaku starts for W. Brom
nelyvanile
I am actually glad david luiz is in the midfield today, and I think he is there as a CM and not a DM as most of u claim, as I said in another article, we need to differentiate his role in the midfield
Desmondadonis
A Solid win is a must if we are to challenge for the title. COME ON BLUES 3-1win for us will do
The Psychic Blue l9l
Its kickoff!! Let's go blues!!! Hazard is on the bench!!!
Desmondadonis
Be back after the game...Cheers mates to a great game.
nelyvanile
Whenever we have the chance to wear our first kit we should wear it....
Ess...DaBison
let's do this guys.... all the best!
Latunvic
Mikel digging his nose on international tv. Lol.
foreign_viewer
why no chelsea game in india???
kshadab@gmail.com
Man Utd 0-1 Nufc. come on newcastle!!!
The Psychic Blue l9l
Mata is off form.
foreign_viewer
mata should be rested now for 1 game...
kshadab@gmail.com
we are already playing slowing from the back. our transition for defence is to attack is much slower with mikel than lampard in the pivot. Jesus!!!!! what is wrong with mata today. two good chances to cause Norwich problems and he delayed releasing the ball.
Dwonder
Why isn't Ramires starting? Why?
foreign_viewer
slight knee injury!
merlin
foreign_viewer
arn΄t you soon gonna start complaining on mata to? like you do on lampard. o wait mata is 24 and Lampard is 34
Lakupiippu
Ramires and Hazard for Mikel and Mata in the second half. We need their pace.
foreign_viewer
A 24 year can still improve his game. A 34 year old can't.
foreign_viewer
Mata have΄t been in form since october
Lakupiippu
Fouls on Oscar. Norwich playing a dirty game.
foreign_viewer
Oscar in the middle. Hazard out left. Ramires for Mikel. We need to move faster.
foreign_viewer
sometimes i get annoyed with mikel. luiz was out on the right waiting for that ball and mikel passed back to AZpi. Good to see lampard warming up. mikel is not having a good game at all.
Dwonder
The front four are having a bad game. Mata in particular.
foreign_viewer
david look up and pass that ball. brana was better positioned. pls FFS look up.
Dwonder
People say Studge was selfish....*cough cough Luiz
Ess...DaBison
what a dry half so far im falling asleep here...
Gondo
Oh man. We need Oscar in the middle to run things.
foreign_viewer
our build up play is just so slow.
Dwonder
I don't know if chelsea fans will be as forgiving if was another player that have been out of form like mata, mata needs to be benched so he can raise his game, we need to keep every player on their toes!!!
Desmondadonis
we need lampard in that midfield. Mikle is seriously cramping our style.
Dwonder
Moses quiet so far, not running things on the right wing????
Latunvic
There's urgency lacking in this game. In the absence of Hazard we are lacking with which is making our play not to have that attacking bite.
Ohans
Dwonder , i dont see you complain about David Luiz recklessly shooting on goal when there were players free and open to receive from him.. You just hate seeing Mikel playing right?
TheIncrediblue
Norwich are defending very deep, and our final ball upfront have been poor and corinthian esque, we need to score so the game can open up more, cmmon blues!
Desmondadonis
MAATTTAAAA YEEESSS
The Psychic Blue l9l
what a shot. mataaaaaa
abzkilla
Do you see why mata sometimes remains in the game. One of the few players that can make something out of nothing....
TheIncrediblue
What a goal!!
foreign_viewer
now they have to attack :)
abzkilla
Oh my.. NEWCASTLE IS UP AGAIN.. 2 TO 1
TheIncrediblue
Mata..... what a goal!!!!! magical!!!!! Oscar is better in the middle than on the wing....
Latunvic
That was odd from Cole. Why kick it out for a corner?
foreign_viewer
Is that supposed to be a SAFE clearance Ashley?!?!?!?!?! good goal by mata there. excellent technique.
Dwonder
i am at work and unable to watch the game. thanks for the updates mates. blue for life
bleetoe
MATA!! Nice goal,Moses giving space for Oscar to slot through a pass with Mata finishing from just outside the box. Fine strike.
Ohans
Mikel has done his defensive job very well today.
foreign_viewer
@ the Incredible. have you read all my comment today, if so you will see the part where i questioned the wisdom of David luiz playing that shot when brana was in a better position. Pls read well before commenting
Dwonder
Since Moses moved to the left, he has influenced the game more. nice to see the players swapping positions. even oscar dropped deep with luiz more in the attacking midfielder role.
Dwonder
This is a team that beated norwich, but I am not too impressed by our play so far, it has beeen too slow, get mikel off in the 2nd half, bring in lamps if we are 2-0 up and see what hazard will bring to the team or marin
Desmondadonis
First half was good.hope we can keep up the tempo and win the game.mata,luiz,mikel,oscar impressive
obimikelisdbest
Mikel looks bad when the attacking players don't score.
foreign_viewer
we havent even had to defend. The transition is very slow as we have the ball all the time. Mata i thought was fluttering in and out of the game but as someone put it - he can be a game changer. Now at 60 minutes bring Mata off and bring on Hazard and put Oscar central. Hazard will have a field day.
Mia Maynard
I am more certain that david luiz will be disastrous as a DM, we'll concede loads of goals if we play tough teams and he plays as a DM, but I think he is the best thing we have as a CM so far this season, his passes are so sweet it tastes like saccharine, u'll notice that he seldoms pass to the back and makes lots of penetrating runs which is superb
Desmondadonis
@Desmond,the team out there is more than capable of doing the job! I wouldnt change anything just yet. We are not playing at home and its the Xmas period,we need fresh players...Mikel has covered well today and its not his fault that Norwich is defending in numbers. Remember how slow Barca seemed when we parked the yacht?
3nity
Lol.@foreign viewer.i think he did his job perfectly well.he has not put a foot wrong in the match so far though i think he slows down the rhythm of play sometimes
obimikelisdbest
David Luiz!!!!!! Our Best CM. Who knew we had our very own Fernandinho????
3nity
@3nity, lolz at parking the yatch!!! Its sure bigger than a bus, I guess that is the explanation for our slow transition, so what do u think of my analyses of david luiz? Do u think he is a DM? Or a CM?
Desmondadonis
I still wonder why Mikel has always been the scape goat whenever d team is playing poorly. Some of U guys need to get a life.
Misterlecturer
It was a nice 1st half with a well deserved lead. Hopefully we can come out strongly to add more goal to that. So far there has not been much threat from them as we have been the better side. Though we can play better and with more hunger to kill off the game. Mikel and Luiz has been fairly comfortable in the mid and Moses has been operating well from the flank. Oscar clearly isnt suitd to the wing and i fear for him cos Rafa seems to value the flank play so Hazard n Moses may likely be getting the nod ahead of him. Torres needs to be making more movement inside and around the area. He clearly makes us blunt upfront.
Ohans
Good first half. Though the tempo from chelsea is not as high as the aston villa game, all that matters now is to successfully close the game and put the 3points in the bag.
Chelz Akamz
@desmond,seriously he is immense as a CM.Plays nice penetrating passes though prone to error sometimes which mikel should flush out for him in seconds.he is only going to improve in that position.one of the positives of having benitez at the helm of affairs.
obimikelisdbest
We have to up the game a bit now. Be Ruthless once again
The Psychic Blue l9l
Some people are ignorant! No game is played at the same pace and it is ridiculous to blame Mikel for Norwich parking their Boeing 777 . Somebody made the smartest comment here today . Have you seen how slow Barca plays when we park the bus? You guys who hates the lad just speaks irrationally. This game has been good so far.
TheIncrediblue
We need that second goal fast so we can play without pressure, what are our options? Hazard for mata with oscar moving to the middle anyone?
Desmondadonis
this is pathetic....shut the gap up between defence and midfield ffs
Ess...DaBison
FK from 30 yards... can Luiz work his magic again?
The Psychic Blue l9l
@obimikelisthebest, yes iu are right about that, luiz mistakes can be flushed out if he is retained there as a CM, not to be shunted off and on as we like, its either we leave him as a CM and perfect his game there or let him continue as a CB, that's my opinion
Desmondadonis
Some fools who slated Lamps when we lost to Corinthians are the ones praising him and expecting him to play all our matches just bcos we thrashed a ***** Aston Villa team.
Misterlecturer
one more to kill the game off!
Ess...DaBison
S'Land 1-0 City. COME ON SUNDERLAND AND NEWCASTLE, STOP THOSE MANC CLUBS
The Psychic Blue l9l
For those who cares, the Manchester clubs are down.....
TheIncrediblue
Bring on Hazard for Torres,Lamps for Mike(so that people like Dwonder will be pleased),
Ohans
we cant afford to drop points now that city and utd are loosing!
Ess...DaBison
Luiz with his 2nd Malouda type shot today.
The Psychic Blue l9l
united 2-2 newcaste
johnny come lately
@Misterlecturer like who??
Ess...DaBison
damn! united are back.
johnny come lately
Enuff of those roof shots Luiz! You re killing the game with that.
Ohans
7 more to finish the game off.
foreign_viewer
Moses................... that should have been a goal.....
Latunvic
united now dominating. damn them, they keep doing this.
johnny come lately
That hole in the middle isn't gona plug itself. Remember it is suppose to be MIkel and David in the Pivot but Luiz has been upfront most of the time which is good but it is hard to have one person there all the time as there is only as much space one person can cover without help.......
TheIncrediblue
22 year old Moses is better than 26 year old Kalou.
foreign_viewer
yeaaaaaaah. newcastle 3-2 united
johnny come lately
go chelsea! sunderland and newcastle are making this a game-changing weekend!
johnny come lately
Newcastle take the lead again against Manure. Cisse on target with a super strike..
Ohans
damn!!!! 3-3 at OT
johnny come lately
DEMBBBBAAAAA BAAAAAAAAAAA
The Psychic Blue l9l
Ooops sorry wrong player. PAAAAAPPPPIISSSEEE CIISSSSEEEEEE
The Psychic Blue l9l
Oh go away Van Persie
The Psychic Blue l9l
Pulling Mikel off now is very risky. He seems to be the only player holding the DM role... everyone else has been up in Norwich attacking haf.. I am concerned.
TheIncrediblue
About time Mikel comes off. Lampard with distribute the ball far better than Mikel
Dwonder
van persie how i hate you!!!!
johnny come lately
phew! newcastle get out of jail. almost 4-3 to united
johnny come lately
how's it going vs norwich? are we in control. forced to watch the united game here. but, newcastle fan for a day!
johnny come lately
Against any decent defense,Torres goes m.i.a. Hazard please!
Ohans
phew! van persie nearly again. cmon newcastle, hang in there!!!
johnny come lately
newcastle hanging by a thread, nearly another goal by chicarito
johnny come lately
lampard distributes the ball better than Mikel Ohans. and his is a far better threat running in from deep. and for the record, i am pleased that lampard is now running the show. lets enjoy him while he last
Dwonder
I think the changes have not been effective,we have taken a foot off the pedal a little.
Ohans
Hazzzzzard stop showboating pllssssssss. just hold the godammed ball.
Dwonder
frustrating! newcastle hit the post.
johnny come lately
phew, newcastle save another
johnny come lately
what a title influencing 3 minutes this can be. united drawing, city behind and we're ahead.
johnny come lately
damn! 4 mins injury at OT. here we go again, alex ferguson time!
johnny come lately
damn damn damn! chicarito 4-3. i'm gonna smash my TV. what a wasted 90 mins of my life.
johnny come lately
please tell me we're thru at least!
johnny come lately
Oh F off Fergie time. Lucky Utd escape again.
The Psychic Blue l9l
damn united...damn damn damn.....DAAAAAAAAMN
bleetoe
Looks like City and us have to beat Lucky Utd at the old toilet to stop then getting the title. They dont deserve the title this season. Offside goal and 2 red cards against us, Red card and dubious penalty against Liverpool, etc. COME ON WESTBROM, BEAT THE SCUM AT OLD TOILET.
The Psychic Blue l9l
groan! where did 4 extra minutes come from? 2 minutes from cutting united's lead. this is getting sickeningly repetitive.
johnny come lately
I swear man shet have been so lucky this season. How come its always stopage time goal IT MAKES ME SOO SICK!!!
TafChels
Stupid Newcastle...
TheIncrediblue
at least city lost. so we're now 4 behind city with a game in hand. and that game is southampton.
johnny come lately
Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs, City, West Brom, Wigan, Everton, Stoke and other PL Clubs, Chelsea FC needs you!! Why? Because you have to stop Utd to help us win the title, or anyone but Utd win the title. If you are ahead against Utd, keep calm and defend for your lives. THEY DON'T DESERVE THE TITLE. Looserpool, batter them at Old toilet, same goes to City and us. North London, make sure Utd don't even return home with any points when they play you. COME ON PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS (with the exception of Utd), WE NEED YOU
The Psychic Blue l9l
taf, it's called fergie time. if united are not winning, play goes on until they score.
johnny come lately
i hope if we dont beat thm at old toilet at least break van persi or chicartio leg and come...if you cant beat them then just break them....worst club in planet....disgusting club.....manur are nothg without them...just break thier supply line...
shlok27
3 points away though one goal, i'l take that and sleep.
blue5
Norwich gave us a very hard fight different game from the aston villa game.another clean sheet.nice game overall.was impressed by the defence.
obimikelisdbest
Though i was dissapointed when hernandez equalized for utd,i was praying that norwich shouldnt equalise because the pressure was much at the dying minutes of the game.i'm glad we won.impressed
obimikelisdbest
Though i was dissapointed when hernandez equalized for utd,i was praying that norwich shouldnt equalise because the pressure was much at the dying minutes of the game.i'm glad we won.impressed
obimikelisdbest
at least we closed on 1 of the manc clubs
bleetoe
Unfortunately i didnt see the game as am in an urgent meeting but i was able to follow up tanks to comments from u guys and i must say i was very nervous all through waitin anxiously for that 2nd goal that never came but am glad we won the game......cheers guys
Ken4CFC
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