Norwich-Chelsea Preview

Chelsea head to Norwich City hoping that it will be a case of fourth time lucky in the search for a first Premier League away win this season.

Jose Mourinho will be well aware that he has secured maximum points in just one of his last eight league games on the road as Bluues manager ahead of While the Europa League holders have produced indifferent performances on their travels in the Premier League so far in 2013-14 to draw at Manchester United and Tottenham and lose at Everton, Mourinho's men thrashed Steaua Bucharest 4-0 in the Champions League in midweek.


A dominant display in the Romanian capital, however, was overshadowed by a knee injury to striker Fernando Torres that will sideline him for the majority of October.

Torres was due to miss the Norwich game through suspension anyway following his red card in last Saturday's 1-1 draw at Tottenham, meaning that Samuel Eto'o could replace him in the Chelsea side, but whoever gets the nod in attack from Mourinho will be under pressure to become the first Blues striker – aside from Romelu Lukaku, on loan at Everton - to score in the Premier League this season.


Chelsea boast an excellent record against Norwich, winning five of their previous six league encounters, but Mourinho has warned against complacency when they meet Chris Hughton's side.


"They have brought in good players for the future and have a very good squad," the Portuguese told the press.

"They have a good manager too - I like the way he coaches and organises. They will not be fighting to stay up. It will be a difficult game for us."

Midfielder Eden Hazard has returned to training after missing the Steaua game with an ankle injury and is battling to prove his fitness.

Meanwhile, Norwich will be keen to build on last Sunday's 1-0 win at Stoke City, although they also have the unwanted mantle of scoring the fewest league goals (four) this season, along with the likes of Fulham and rock-bottom Sunderland. 

Hughton's men were impressive at the Britannia Stadium last time out and will want to build some momentum in what is a tricky October and November period that includes games against Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City following the visit of the Londoners.

Captain Sebastien Bassong is back in training following a spell out with a hamstring problem and may return, while midfielder Nathan Redmond has overcome his thigh injury and defender Javier Garrido is fit following a similar injury.

On facing the Londoners, Hughton told reporters: "Chelsea have quality throughout their squad.
“We have to make sure our work ethic is spot on again and that we keep possession well."Sunday's match at Carrow Road.

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