Match Preview: Chelsea FC vs. Norwich City

Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

Chelsea FC return to Premier League action tomorrow against Norwich City after being eliminated from Champions League play at the hands of Atletico Madrid. The Blues will face the relegation-threatened Canaries in the not so friendly confines of Stamford Bridge where they have lost two matches in the past month, something unheard of under Jose Mourinho.

After Sunderland’s victory against Manchester United, the Canaries of Norwich City currently sit three points behind the Black Cats and in the relegation zone. They come to Stamford Bridge desperate for three points and they will hassle and harry the Blues up and down the pitch. The key to this match will be Chelsea taking an early lead and controlling the tempo though they have failed to do that against many smaller sides this year. Manager Jose Mourinho has said that losing to Norwich would be unacceptable to his players because even though their chances to win the league are minimal they can not drop any more points.

Mourinho on playing Norwich and not dropping points:

"“Imagine if we are not champions because we don’t win these two matches — it wouldn’t be a good feeling for the players. What we have to do is win both games, we’re playing against two teams who desperately need the three points.”"

Chelsea has a very small chance of winning the league and would need both Manchester City and Liverpool to at least three points but they must handle their own business. They have been in the driver’s seat many times this season but could never seal the deal when they had the chance. To drop points against the Canaries would be too much for the supporters or the players to bear even if this game may end up being meaningless.

Projected Lineup:
——————Mark Schwarzer——————-
Ivanovic—–Terry—–Gary Cahill——Azpilicueta
————Lampard——–Matic——————-
—–Salah———–Hazard———-Schurrle——
——————Samuel Eto’o———————

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