FA CUP 5th ROUND: CHELSEA v NORWICH

By dixon9
February 18 2007

So, now it’s the turn of Narrrrwich to come to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup. It’s true, we’ve been fortunate (for a change) with regard to the draws so far although it’s no good assuming we’re going to breeze through to the next round.

The last time we went out to a lower league side was to our “mates” from Millwall in 1985 but obviously, we SHOULD go through.

We are STILL in all four comps but this is the one trophy José hasn’t won with us yet.  From my own point of view, I would particularly like us to win the FA Cup this season so that we go down in history as the last team to win it at the old Wembley and the first team to win it at the new Wembley.

We’ve got a tough, busy match diary coming up, with Porto on Wednesday after this match followed by the Carling Cup Final against the Woolwich “Young Boys Le Berne” on Sunday.

The Canaries have got Huckerby, who’s still very fast and dangerous (and apparently lucky not to get a red card in the Blackpool match) and a bit of a wild card in a new, confident youngster, Martin, coming through the ranks who is likely to feature.  I read an interview of his in the week and he chirped that he wasn´t a bit phased about coming to the Bridge.  Norwich coach Grant has already told the press they are going to go for it with “No white flag” being presented by them at the Bridge and I wonder if Delia´s going to give the Norfolk team a “Let´s be having you!” talk pre-match?!!!

I’m expecting us to start with Terry and Carvalho in the centre of defence with Boulahrouz coming on at some point to give him some match fitness.  Ballack and Mikel Obi are supposed to be fit again as well and I’m also expecting us to start with Robben (please don’t get injured again!!!).

Naaaaarrwich manager Grant is expected to name an unchanged recipe from the team that beat Blackpool in the 3-2 entertaining match in midweek.

New signings Mark Fotheringham and Simon Lappin are likely to be on the bench.  Chadwick and Earnshaw are still out injured.

 

 

Chelsea: Cech, Cuducini, Geremi, Diarra, Boulahrouz, Terry, Carvalho, Ferreira, Bridge, Ballack, Lampard, Kalou, SWP, Mikel Obi, Shevechenko, Drogba, Robben.

Norwich: Marshall, Colin Martin, Shackell, Dublin, Drury, Hughes, Safri, Doherty, Etuhu, Croft, Brown, Huckerby, Gallacher, McVeigh, Eagle.

 

I reckon we´ll go 4-4-2:  Cech, Diarra, Terry, Carvalho, Bridge, SWP, Ballack, Lampard, Robben, Shevchenko, Drogba.   Obi, Boularouz and Kalou to come on for Lampard, Carvalho and Drogba so that they rest a bit before Porto (assuming we´re winning comfortably of course).

 

My prediction is 4-1.  Scorers; Shevchenko, Terry, SWP and Robben.  Martin to score for them - and them to score first.