John
Terry will not be rushed back for Chelsea's clash with Norwich at Carrow
Road on Tuesday night.
After a disastrous start to the season under Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink has
turned things around once again at Stamford Bridge - remaining unbeaten
domestically since taking over in late December.
That record looked to be in severe jeopardy at the weekend as the Blues
trailed Southampton with 15 minutes remaining in the Premier League, but
they dug deep once again to turn things around at St Mary's and snatch all
three points.
The top four may still be unattainable for the Blues, with the gap 11 points
between them and Manchester City in fourth, but pride can still be restored
yet further.
Norwich are in dire need of three points, after losing their last seven
league games - a run which sees them sit just above the relegation zone on
goals difference.
Alex Neil will be buoyed by the Canaries' showing at Leicester at the
weekend, however, as it took a last-gasp Leonardo Ulloa goal to overcome
dogged Norwich resistance.
Team news
Norwich boss Neil will make a late call before deciding on whether to recall
Sebastien Bassong and Wes Hoolahan to his squad.
The duo were absent for Norwich's late 1-0 defeat to league leaders
Leicester City at the weekend.
Neil also confirmed Andre Wisdom will miss out again due to a knee injury,
while Patrick Bamford is ineligible to face his parent club.
Meanwhile, Chelea Skipper Terry remains sidelined. The defender is still out
after suffering a hamstring injury and interim manager Guus Hiddink is keen
not to rush him back.
Fellow centre-back Kurt Zouma (knee) is out for the season, while Radamel
Falcao (groin) and Pedro (hamstring) are also absent - but there is an
outside chance Alexandre Pato could be involved at Carrow Road for the first
time since joining the Blues on loan in January.
Merson's prediction (13/2 with Sky Bet)
I don't see anything but a Chelsea win here. Norwich have had some kicks to
the teeth lately after throwing away a two-goal lead against West Ham and
losing in the last minute to Leicester. It's hard work picking yourself up
after results like that. In contrast, Chelsea are a completely different
team under Guus Hiddink; I watched their game on Soccer Saturday and they
kept going and going until they got back a goal down to win the game. Cesc
Fabregas was absolutely phenomenal.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2
Opta stats
Chelsea have won seven and lost none of the last nine Barclays Premier
League meetings with Norwich City.
The Canaries have scored just four goals in that nine-game run and failed to
score in four of the last six meetings with the Blues in the competition.
Steven Naismith has scored six goals in seven Premier League appearances
against Chelsea.
Norwich City have won just four of their last 16 Premier League games at
Carrow Road (W4 D4 L8).
The Canaries have conceded 10 goals in their last three Premier League home
games; this after conceding just twice in their previous five league matches
at Carrow Road.
In their last seven Premier League matches, Norwich City have won just one
point (W0 D1 L6), scored seven goals and conceded 19.
Chelsea have seen 15 of their players score a Premier League goal this
season; the biggest spread in the competition.
Guus Hiddink has lost just one of his 23 Premier League matches as a manager
(W15 D7 L1).
Norwich City have had a league-low 426 touches in the opposition box this
season in the Premier League.
Chelsea are looking to win three successive Premier League matches for the
first time since April 2015.
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