Jose
Mourinho returns to the dugout as Chelsea look to kickstart their faltering
season with victory over Norwich at Stamford Bridge.
The Portuguese was banned from the stadium following a charge of misconduct
as the Blues suffered their seventh defeat of the campaign against Stoke
last time out.
Their poor run of form has seen Mourinho come under increasing pressure
while chances of a top-four finish seem to be fading week-by-week.
Already they would have to make history to qualify for the Champions League
as no team with this few points at this stage of the season has finished in
the top four.
Norwich start the weekend a place and a point above Chelsea in the table
after beating Swansea before the international break.
That was the Canaries' only win in their last seven league matches but Alex
Neil says his side are now looking to put more space between themselves and
the relegation zone.
Team news
Chelsea will again be without Thibaut Courtois and Radamel Falcao, with the
goalkeeper back in light training but slated to return from his knee injury
in December. Falcao is also nearing a return after picking up an undisclosed
injury.
Right-back Branislav Ivanovic is expected to be available following his
hamstring injury prior to the international break.
Norwich expect winger Nathan Redmond to shake off a thigh injury and captain
Russell Martin is available again following a one-game suspension.
On-loan winger Matt Jarvis remains sidelined with a knee injury while
midfielders Robbie Brady and Wes Hoolahan will be assessed after helping the
Republic of Ireland secure their place at Euro 2016, along with others who
were away with their countries.
Opta stats
Chelsea are unbeaten in their last 11 matches in all competitions against
Norwich (W8 D3), last losing to the Canaries 3-0 away in the league in
December 1994.
Norwich won four and lost one of their first six Premier League meetings
with Chelsea, but have won none and lost six of the last eight.
Eden Hazard has scored two goals in four Premier League appearances against
Norwich, with one of those goals coming in his only start against the
Canaries (October 2012).
Chelsea have lost three league games in a row for the first time since
October 1999.
Dieumerci Mbokani has been involved in three of the Canaries' last five
Premier League goals (scored two, one assist).
The Blues have dropped the joint-most points from leading positions in the
top flight this season (eight along with Aston Villa).
Merson's prediction
We keep saying this is the time for Chelsea, this is the game to kickstart
their season, but they've lost seven league games already.
But it is a must-win match for them. I know it is only November but if Man
Utd did beat Watford and Chelsea lost this game, it's a stupid amount of
points to catch them up and get in the top four.
Diego Costa has got to step up, stop wanting to fight everybody and be the
player that they bought initially.
If they don't win, I think top four is out of the question and Jose Mourinho
will be under so much more pressure. I don't even think Arsene Wenger could
go on a run like this and survive.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0 (6/1 with Sky Bet)
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