Chelsea vs Norwich City preview: Under-pressure Jose Mourinho in the spotlight once again after serving stadium ban

A look ahead to this weekend’s fixture at Stamford Bridge

Jake Lambourne
Friday 20 November 2015 13:24 GMT
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Chelsea winger Eden Hazard
Chelsea winger Eden Hazard (Getty Images)

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It’s a big game for…

EDEN HAZARD: Last year’s player of the season has been under intense scrutiny this season as he has failed to replicate the magic of his performances last year with Chelsea languishing in 16th place. With only 1 goal and two assists in 18 games in all competitions, the Belgian winger can get back in the good books of the Blues faithful if he helps Chelsea to record their first league win in over month.

Best stats…

  • Norwich have failed to defeat Chelsea in their last 11 attempts, their last victory coming way back in 1994
  • 75% of Chelsea's games this season have had over 2.5 goals scored in total
  • Norwich City scored at least one goal in 83% of their away games
  • Chelsea have lost three league games in a row for the first time since October 1999
  • Only one side in Premier League history has finished in the top six having taken 11 points or fewer (Aston Villa in 2003/2004)

Remember when…

These two sides met in the FA Cup in 2002. Chelsea ran out comfortable 4-0 winners at Stamford Bridge, but there was a moment of magic from the genius of Gianfranco Zola’s boot. As Graeme Le Saux whipped in a low corner, the little Italian scored a delightful back-heel volley into the top corner that was too quick for Robert Green to react.

Player to watch…

DIEUMERCI MBOKANI: The 29 year old has made a great impression since signing on a season-long loan from Dynamo Kyiv. With two goals in six league games, the six foot three striker is a real menace in the air, and could be the man to inflict further damage against Chelsea’s leaky defence. Used mainly as an impact player under Alex Neil, DR Congo’s record goal scorer will be using his sheer power and presence to bring his teammates into play and be a real nuisance for Mourinho’s men.

Past three meetings…

Chelsea 0 Norwich City 0
Barclays Premier League, May 2014

Norwich City 1 (Pilkington) Chelsea 3 (Oscar, Hazard, Willian)
Barclays Premier League, October 2013

Norwich City 0 Chelsea 1 (Mata)
Barclays Premier League, December 2012

Form guide…

Chelsea: LWLDLD

Norwich City: WLDLLL

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 15.00pm, Saturday 21 November

TV: Highlights available Saturday night on BBC 1 at 22.20pm

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