Chelsea vs. Norwich: Predicting the Starting 11

Chelsea take on Norwich City this Saturday at Stamford Bridge in their third Premier League game of the season. Chelsea will look to improve on the recent success they have had over their rivals winning their last four games against.

Newly promoted Norwich has found the Premier League difficult, but have managed to survive thus far with two 1-1 draws. However, yesterday's 4-0 thrashing at the hands of MK Dons in the Carling Cup will do little to raise their spirits as they prepare to face their first tough test of the season.

With newly signed Mata now an option for Andre Villas-Boas, the lineup may look a bit different than in previous weeks, but will still stay relatively the same.

Here are my predictions for the starting 11.

GK: Hilario

Cech is scheduled to be sidelined for at least another three weeks. Until then, Hilario will be the number one.

He was not called on much last week, but had a fantastic save on a shot from inside the box. He may not be as good as Cech, but he does admirably when called upon.

Having Hilario as a back up is something that many Chelsea fans take for granted. There are plenty of other teams out there that would love to have his abilities out there week in and week out. Chelsea has done a good job of keeping him happy and staying at the club. You can never over estimate the value of a good back up.

RB: Paulo Ferreira

After a great preseason, Ferreira has yet to feature in a competitive match this season. It is apparent that Villas-Boas has decided the team has a better chance with Bosingwa on the field. But after two sub-par games, Villas-Boas might give his other Portuguese right back a shot.

On the other hand, Ferreira might get the start due to the level of competition. Norwich is the weakest side they have faced yet and it would be the first opportunity where he could feel comfortable resting some players.

Whatever the reason, I see Ferreira getting his first start of the year this Saturday.

CB: John Terry

The captain will start in the back to give the team that leadership that they desperately need. This is perhaps a game in which he may have preferred to be rested, but injuries have made the position difficult to fill.

He has also seemed to struggle a bit more than normal, especially on the attack. His aerial presence on set pieces has not been felt enough yet. This would be a good game for him to head one home and get him started as Man U looms only two weeks ahead.

He will probably not play a full 90 minutes if things go to plan.

CB: Branislav Ivanovic

Ivanovic has found himself on the bench to many fan's surprise. He was one of the best and most reliable defenders on the team last year, and many felt he had carved himself out a spot as one of the elite amongst the league.

Villas-Boas seems to feel that his play, though top level, does not quite fit into the style he prefers for his team, in the RB position.

After Alex's blunder last week, and with a goal still needed, Ivanovic came on and was an instant success. He defended well and carried the ball up to the midfield with confidence. He should start this week if not for the reason that Alex looks to need a break after last week.

But with rumors gaining more credibility every day that Alex is set to leave the club, Villas-Boas may want to start the man who could become his future number two center back.

LB: Ashley Cole

Ashley Cole has been the surprise slump of the season thus far. The normally-consistent English star seems to have fallen off form a little over the past two games.

His passing has been poor. His speed is down. And his mind seems elsewhere.

The game against Norwich is the perfect opportunity for him to re-find himself and get the form back that has made him a legend at Stamford Bridge and the national team's best player.

CM: Ramires

Through two games no one has been as electrifying as Ramires. Villas-Boas has seemed to give him the OK to move all over the grounds and he has done so commendably.

His tackling in the midfield and persistence in the attack has been the most dynamic part of Chelsea's play. He has been the surprise of the season and made many fans who questioned which role he would have in this new team bite their tongue.

There is no replacing Michael Essien, but Ramires is carving his own style into the pitch at Stamford Bridge.

CM: Frank Lampard

It is no secret that Frank Lampard is struggling. The glorious play that once made him one of the best offensive midfielders in the game seems to be dwindling away.

While he has shown signs of his old self at times, it is often in bursts and not sustained throughout 90 minutes of play. Villas-Boas looks determined to make sure that the face of this club and a beloved son of English football gets every opportunity to right his ship.

This Saturday is that opportunity. Norwich plays an open style of the game, laying off the midfield. This will give Lampard plenty of room to start slotting those passes through to the forwards. Once he gets one good assist or goal, he should be back to his old self.

CAM: Yossi Benayoun

Benayoun was another player who proved his worth this preseason. Since then, he featured very briefly in injury time against Stoke.

He gets the start this week up top, playing right behind the forwards. His creativity and skill on the ball is something that Chelsea have been missing and Norwich would be a good side for him to get this work in.

Luka Modric is still the target of Chelsea's desire, but it remains out of their hands. Beanyoun is the closest thing they have to a player like him. Villas-Boas needs to begin to work him out in games if they are unable to land their target from Tottenham.

LW: Juan Mata

Villas-Boas will be eager to get Mata on the field and show the doubters that, when he has the players he wants, his system really does work. He has not been a coach to play it conservative thus far and what better way to start him than in front of his own fans.

The crowds will also be delighted to finally see a new face on their field, especially one that plays with the flair and speed of Mata.

His move to Chelsea may have only become official today, but he has been training with the team for a few days. All indications from him and the club is that he is ready to go.

CF: Fernando Torres

Villas-Boas has gone with Torres thus far in both games. Despite having more confidence on the ball, he has failed to be a real goal threat.

With Mata now at the club, a player who was brought in partly by Torres' persuasion and for the reason of improving Torres' form, why would he sit him now?

Drogba has been quiet about his role as a substitute and arguably could be the preferred choice. Despite all that, he will find himself on the bench again.

With a significantly weaker side, an ideal winging partner and the confidence of his coach, this may be the start of make or break games for the Spaniard.

RW: Nicolas Anelka

Anelka played well on the right side yesterday after being moved there when Malouda came on. He still drifts too far inside to play the wing role Villas-Boas wants, but Chelsea does not have any other options. Sturridge is still serving his suspension and the Drogba/Torres look still has not worked out.

Anelka will be out there if not for the simple reason that he scores goals, albeit like the one he got last Saturday. For a team that has struggled to find the net, sometimes having that attribute is all you need.

Bench

Ross Turnbull - Just in case

Josh McEachran - He could get some playing time, especially if things go well.

Didier Drogba - If the Torres/Mata connection works, he might want to get comfortable here.

John Obi Mikel - After a tough week concerning his father, there's no reason to play him if he is not needed. He may come in late to secure the win.

Jose Bosingwa - It never hurts to occasionally watch the game from the bench.

Florent Malouda - If the team struggles, you may seem him as the first sub on. He also could replace Mata, who has not played a competitive match in some time due to the strike. He could also start, but expect Mata to make an appearance at some point.

Alex - Some may see this as a demotion, but let's not forget that Alex is an older player. It is always good to get some rest in your later years.

Who Do You Think Will Start?

The fun things about predictions is they are hard to get right, let alone 11 separate ones. So what's your best guess for who we will see on the field at kick off Saturday?