Chelsea vs Norwich City. Premier League.
Stamford BridgeAttendance41,582.
Saturday 21 November 2015 14:57, UK
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)
Betting
Chelsea are just 2/5 with Sky Bet to get back to winning ways on Saturday, as Norwich go up against odds of 13/2 for the victory and 18/5 to get a draw.
Jose Mourinho's men are currently 100/30 for a top-four finish and 100/1 to retain their Premier League, while the Canaries were pushed out to 9/4 for relegation after seeing off Swansea before the international break.
All of the Soccer Saturday pundits and Jamie Redknapp are backing the Blues, including Matt Le Tissier's Sky Bet tip for Diego Costa to score in a home win at 5/4.
The Stamford Bridge clash is part of this week's Super 6 line-up, with a bumper £1m jackpot up for grabs. Make your predictions here.
