Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of the Premier League meeting between Chelsea and Norwich City at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have another chance to kick-start their campaign this afternoon following a turbulent opening few months to the season.

Rather incredibly, Norwich head into this game sitting once point and one place above their out-of-form opponents, who have won just two of their last 10 in all competitions. Jose Mourinho has come under increasing pressure, but he is still the man tasked with turning around the Blues' barren form.

It will be interesting to see what team Mourinho opts to field this afternoon, with suggestions in the media that he could spring a few surprises. The latest two-week international break may just have helped the Portuguese to regroup ahead of a gruelling month to come - things certainly can't get much worse... can they?

TEAM NEWS!

CHELSEA STARTING XI: Begovic; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry, Kenedy; Matic, Fabregas; Pedro, Willian, Hazard; Costa

NORWICH CITY STARTING XI: Ruddy; Wisdom, Bennett, Bassong, Olsson; Howson, Mulumbu, O'Neil, Brady; Redmond; Mbokani

So Branislav Ivanovic, as expected, returns to the starting lineup at right-back, while Kenedy is drafted in on the opposite flank. Mourinho has decided to stick with the Matic-Fabregas pivot in defensive midfield, and there is also a familiar look to the attacking ranks as Willian, Pedro and Eden Hazard provide support for lone striker Diego Costa.

Ivanovic has been absent from the Chelsea side since the beginning of October, but having now returned from injury supporters will be hoping that he can match his form of last season once again after his slow start this time around. Kurt Zouma is the man selected to partner skipper John Terry at the back, meanwhile, with Ramires dropping out of the side.

In terms of the visitors, Alex Neil has selected Dieumerci Mbokani in attack, meaning that Cameron Jerome drops out of the starting lineup. The Congolese striker has been involved in three of Norwich's last five goals, so he will play a key part leading the line this afternoon.

Alexander Tettey misses out through injury, so Youssouf Mulumbu slots into a central midfield role. Nathan Redmond will play just off Mbokani in attack, with Jonny Howson and Robbie Brady selected out wide to ask questions of Chelsea's frail full-backs Ivanovic and Kenedy - that could be an intriguing battle.

BENCH WATCH!

CHELSEA SUBS: Blackman, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ramires, Oscar, Traore, Remy

NORWICH CITY SUBS: Rudd, Whittaker, Jerome, Hoolahan, Dorrans, Lafferty, Odjidja

Not a great deal of options for Mourinho to choose from if his side are chasing a goal, but Loic Remy will certainly provide a different dimension in attack if required. Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta provide defensive cover for the Blues, while Ramires and Oscar are also likely to be utilised at some stage.

Jerome will be disappointed to have been overlooked in attack, but Mbokani's stats have been impressive of late. Plenty of dynamic midfield options for Neil to choose from should he wish, while Kyle Lafferty is still looking to prove a point having had a proposed loan switch to the Championship knocked back this week.

Eden Hazard may not have hit anything near the heights witnessed last season, but the Belgian has scored two goals in his four games against today's opponents.

© Getty Images

Well the message from inside the Chelsea ranks has been made clear once more over the past few days - Mourinho has the full backing of owner Roman Abramovich. Many felt that he would be on his way following the loss to Stoke City last time out, a result that made it seven defeats for the season already.

Never before in his 15 years of management has Mourinho lost that amount of games across the duration of the campaign, which puts Chelsea's bleak start to the term into context. The damning stats do not end there, either, as Chelsea have lost three Premier League games on the bounce for the first time this millennium.

Chelsea's overall form is not much better, in truth, having won just two of their last 10 outings in all competitions. It means that, with nearly a third of the campaign now played, the Blues have been left playing catch up to even earn a top-four spot. Many have suggested that retaining the top-flight crown that they so comfortably won last season is simply out of the question, which Mourinho has essentially admitted himself.

The Blues' under-fire boss has been saying all the right things in the build-up to this huge game for his side, claiming that he has full confidence in each of his players and that he expects results to improve drastically over the coming months. Mourinho even suggested that he will not delve into the transfer market come January, but should things remain as bleak as they currently are then he may have little choice - if he is still around, that is.

It is easy to forget that it was just six months ago Chelsea were lifting the Premier League title, on the back of a campaign that they simply cruised through. Just why has it got so wrong for the West London outfit this term? It has been said countless times over the past few weeks, but there is no looking past the lack of real strengthening over the summer months.

It could be argued that only Willian has really pushed on from last season, with the poor defensive record in particular a real worry for Chelsea. Only two other sides have conceded more goals than the Blues this term, while no side has allowed more shots on target from inside the box. With Ivanovic back in the team and Kenedy filling in on the other flank, maybe we will see an upturn in fortunes this afternoon.

DID YOU KNOW? Only two other Premier League sides are currently on a worse run of form than Chelsea at this moment in time - strugglers Bournemouth and Aston Villa. Incredibly, the gap between the Blues and top-place Manchester United is now 16 points, while they are only actually three above the relegation zone.

The pressure has been growing on Chelsea over the past couple of months, but Jose Mourinho will be hoping that his players will be feeling rejuvenated following a two-week hiatus from club football.

© Getty Images

Chelsea face a Norwich side this afternoon who will be feeling a lot better about their survival prospects following a huge 1-0 win over Swansea City prior to the international break. The Canaries had been struggling somewhat up until that point, losing four on the bounce - including a 6-2 thrashing at Newcastle United - to find themselves perilously close to the relegation zone.

It was Alex Neil's toughest spell in charge of the club since taking over in January - a tenure that has seen the Scotsman take the Canaries back into the big time following a short time away. Survival is the target this term and, with a third of the season now played, they are just about on track to achieving that overriding aim.

Norwich have picked up some big wins already this term, seeing off fellow relegation battlers Bournemouth and Sunderland prior to that mammoth win over Swansea last time out. The recent seven-game winless run almost undone their solid early work, but they are now back on track and looking to climb up the table.

City face a tough run of fixtures over the next five weeks or so, though, facing Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the run-up to the new year. Getting points on the board is going to be a difficult task, but Neil remains confident that his team can avoid the drop.

PREVIOUS MEETINGS! Norwich had won four and lost just one of the first six Premier League games between these sides, but they have not won in eight since. Chelsea have not tasted defeat in any of their last 11 encounters with the Canaries in all competitions, in fact, a run that stretches back to December 1994 when Ashley Ward scored twice in a 3-0 triumph for City.

There has already been one game played this afternoon; Manchester United picking up three points in a dramatic 2-1 win over Watford at Vicarage Road. Plenty of drama late on in that one, which leaves the Blues a whopping 16 points off top spot now. The Blues can climb to as high as 13th with a win today, while defeat does not even bear thinking about.

With kickoff now less than 10 minutes away, it seems like a good time to get some of the pre-match thoughts from both camps heading into today's clash.

Jose Mourinho: "Nobody gives a four-year contract to a manager if they don't trust the person. Nobody gives new contracts to players, as we have in the last couple of months, if we don't trust the players. There is trust and there are reasons for that trust. The power is with the board and they have shown to me and the players that they trust us."

Alex Neil: ""Everybody's looking at Chelsea every week and expecting them to turn it around. For some reason, it's not been the case. Chelsea's capability is still really high, but if we do what we know we can, then we can get a result. We've got to make it difficult for Chelsea, but we also have to implement our style on the game too."

PREDICTION! Only two sides are on a worse run of form than Chelsea in the Premier League at the moment, which ultimately makes this a must-win game for Mourinho. The experienced boss has seen his job called into question numerous times this term, but anything less than victory at Stamford Bridge today could be the final straw.

The teams are now making their way out of the dressing room and heading for the tunnel, as kickoff fast approaches. There has been more focus on Chelsea than any other side this term for obvious reasons - can they finally get their season up and running with a win in West London? It does not have to be pretty; they simply need to end this barren run of form.

The minute's applause makes way for a loud roar around Stamford Bridge. A poignant moment that has helped bring together many different nationalities - now for kickoff. Norwich City will get proceedings underway in West London.

Everyone at Stamford Bridge stands for the national anthem of France, 'La Marseillaise'. Our thoughts with the victims and their families. — Norwich City FC (@NorwichCityFC) November 21, 2015

KICKOFF! Norwich are attacking the Matthew Harding End in this first half, sporting their traditional colours. A positive start is a must for the hosts, who have found their stride early on here.

Hazard is playing just off Costa this afternoon, which is presumably to get the playmaker on the ball more often. Matic and Fabregas sitting deep, while Pedro and Willian occupy wide midfield berths. The Blues seeing plenty of the ball in these opening moments.

Norwich win themselves a corner, which is aimed in the direction of Mbokani. Zouma got his head to the ball first, though, clearing the danger and allowing his side to break up the other end. City have grown more into the game over the past couple of minutes.

The hosts unable to put together any real attacking moves of note so far, but they are clearly trying to get Kenedy involved high up the pitch. Ivanovic is made to work hard to thwart Brady, who earns Norwich a second corner of the afternoon which ultimately comes to nothing.

SHOT! Hazard drifts out to the left where he is able to work his way to the byline, before cutting the ball back for Fabregas to strike over the bar. Not the easiest of chances for the Spaniard, but that was certainly the Blues' first opening of note.

A lot of Chelsea's play is coming down the left at the moment; Hazard, Kenedy and Pedro having some joy down that flank. Costa is picked out in the middle, but Bassong just uses his strength to usher the striker away from goal.

CLOSE! John Terry attempts a near-post flick made famous in these parts by Gianfranco Zola, but his effort ends narrowly wide of the target. A wake-up call for Chelsea up the other end just moments later, as Redmond's drive is kept out by Begovic.

SAVE! Hazard is looking much improved this afternoon, finding himself a pocket of space and playing in Willian who drives a shot low and hard. Ruddy did well to keep the effort out following a decent period of pressure from the home side.

A decent delivery from Ivanovic on the right is well defended by the Canaries. Chelsea are playing some good football at the moment, but they have no goal to show for their early work.

Chelsea have certainly been on top thanks to their high-tempo play, but Norwich are looking nice and compact at the back and also look promising when springing forward. A real open feel to the contest, as Mbokani fires over from the edge of the box.

Things have quietened down somewhat over the past couple of minutes, which will suit Norwich just fine. Chelsea need to get Hazard on the ball as often as possible, with the Belgian looking a real threat when picked out.

CHANCE! Pedro fires wide of the target from range, before two Chelsea attacks come to an abrupt end due to offside infringements. Chelsea do manage to carve City open once more, though, as Pedro latches on to Fabregas's through-ball and picks out Costa, but the Spaniard fluffed his lines by firing over.

Chelsea are really knocking on the door now, with Norwich having to defend for their lives. Pedro's cross was headed away by Bennett for the concession of a corner; just no way through for the Blues at the moment.

Chelsea well on top but unable to find a way through at Stamford Bridge so far

Chelsea - Norwich @ Stamford Bridge pic.twitter.com/pTEK1jDQLz — Tribun Dergi (@tribundergi) November 21, 2015

YELLOW CARD! Mulumbu is shown yellow for pulling back at Pedro. Fabregas then took on a shot from range but could not get the better of Ruddy.

PENALTY APPEAL! Norwich growing into things a little more over the past few minutes, and they had a shout for a penalty waved away when Brady went to ground under a challenge from Willian. There did not appear to be an awful lot in it, with Craig Pawson quick to wave play on.

YELLOW CARD! Willian has been shown the game's second yellow card. Chelsea starting to build some more momentum now, with all their best play coming through Hazard who is everywhere at the moment.

Brilliant play by Hazard again, this time on the right where he manages to get a cross in that was crying out for a touch in front of goal. Costa needed to be gambling there and getting his name on the ball.

Costa goes down inside the box, but there was little contact from Bassong. Brady had more of a shout a few moments ago when being shoved by Willian, though Craig Pawson was right to wave play on in my opinion.

A chance for Norwich to put together an attacking move now, but they have not really asked any questions of Chelsea's defence so far today. Chelsea playing really well this afternoon, yet the longer they go without scoring the more agitated home supporters will grow.

CHANCES! Brady whips in a cross from the left, which Zouma once more heads away. The resulting corner went right the way through for Bassong, who saw his shot blocked away by Terry in front of goal - the skipper has just saved his side with that. Chelsea break up the other end and the ball finds its way to Costa, who readied himself and fired in a shot that Ruddy did superbly to turn away. End-to-end stuff!

Just one minute left to play of this entertaining first half. Norwich have just squandered their best opening through Bassong, but that aside it really has been all Chelsea. The Blues may rue not making the most of their openings so far this afternoon.

Mourinho has already headed for the tunnel, as we enter the final 60 seconds of the first half. Norwich continuing to remain strong to keep the deadlock intact.

Goalless at half time in West London, then, but the opening 45 minutes certainly did not lack entertainment. Chances aplenty at The Bridge, which mainly fell Chelsea's way. Norwich's big moment came five minutes before the break when Bassong found the ball at his feet six yards from goal, yet Terry dived in superbly to block the attempt.

From that Terry block, Chelsea raced up the other end and really should have been ahead when Costa had a clean sight of goal, only for his shot to be turned aside by Ruddy. The Blues have had three attempts on target in all so far, while their opponents have had just the one as Begovic kept out Redmond's shot.

Eden Hazard in particular has looked lively, drifting into wide positions from his central starting berth to stretch the Canaries' backline. They have nothing to show for their positive play, however, with the visiting side remaining strong to an extent to deny their opponents.

Norwich also had a shout for a penalty turned down shortly after the half-hour mark after Willian nudged Brady inside the box. Some referees may have pointed to the spot, but for me Craig Pawson made the right call in waving away the visitors' appeals. Alex Neil will be happy enough with what he has seen, knowing that his side may have held the lead if not for Terry's key block.

Both managers will be happy enough with what they have seen so far, meaning that changes are unlikely at the break. Loic Remy will no doubt be introduced at some stage should the West London outfit still require a goal.

BENCH WATCH!

CHELSEA SUBS: Blackman, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Ramires, Oscar, Traore, Remy

NORWICH CITY SUBS: Rudd, Whittaker, Jerome, Hoolahan, Dorrans, Lafferty, Odjidja

Some half-time stats to bring you from Stamford Bridge. It has been an enjoyable game so far, but the deadlock has yet to have been broken.

Chelsea 0-0 Norwich HT: Shots: 10-3 Pass accuracy: 80%-70% Chances created: 10-3 Possession: 57%-43% pic.twitter.com/gozKM0wruX — Squawka Football (@Squawka) November 21, 2015

RESTART! We are back underway at Stamford Bridge, with Chelsea looking to pick up from where they left off in the first half.

O'Neil cynically clips the heels of Hazard, leaving the Belgian in some pain. The experienced midfielder was a little lucky to avoid the yellow there, but further punishment could arrive as Chelsea look to whip this free kick in.

SHOT! Free-kick expert Willian decides to take the shot on rather than picking out a teammate, but his dipping attempt from 35 yards was easily collected by Ruddy down low. Craig Pawson did indeed show O'Neil a yellow for the initial tackle, so he will be walking a tightrope for the remainder.

Hazard has been brilliant all afternoon, again working his magic to cause Norwich's defence some real problems. All Chelsea have to show for their latest attack is a corner, which Zouma volleys over the bar.

While Chelsea have played some good football for the vast majority of this game, they are still in desperate need of a goal. They cannot afford to drop any more points if they are to claim a place in the top four come the end of the campaign, especially at home to relegation-threatened opponents.

Willian and Hazard are dominating things, really upping their games in an attempt to make that all important breakthrough. Norwich still looking compact at the back which is making life very tough for Chelsea. Mourinho may be tempted to bring on Remy or Oscar in the next few minutes.

SHOT! Chelsea pass the ball around but can't find a way through the Canaries' stubborn backline, so Fabregas decides to take on a shot from range. The effort lacked any real conviction, though, and Ruddy was able to easily collect.

The frustration is clear to see now, as Matic blasts one a good few yards over the bar. Mourinho must surely be thinking about a change or two, with the chances drying up since the restart.

Another decent cross from the right is crying out for Costa to tap home, but he holds his run and is nowhere to be seen. Up the other end, Redmond looked to slip in Mbokani but Zouma cleared away at full stretch. The open feel to the game is back.

YELLOW CARD! Bassong pulls back on star man Hazard to earn himself a booking. Three Canaries players now walking a tightrope, as they each fail to handle the Belgian attacker.

Norwich have remained strong at the back all afternoon, but they completely switch off from a quick Chelsea free kick to allow Costa to break the deadlock. Fabregas's quick-thinking played Costa through on goal with just one man to beat, and having used one touch to steady himself he was able to coolly pick out the bottom corner with a fine finish.

OFF THE BAR! So close to a second goal for Chelsea, as Willian's shot-cross from another free kick is flicked on by the knee of Zouma. The centre-back made a little too much contact on the ball if anything, however, with his attempt hitting the bar on its way over.

SAVE! Norwich's first attempt of the second half comes via Brady's shot, which is turned behind by Begovic. Chelsea defend the corner and break up the other end, but the attack comes to a halt when Costa is brought down by Olsson on the edge of the box. The Canaries defender rightly sees yellow as a result.

Will the Spaniard's strike prove enough to earn Chelsea all three points this afternoon?

603 – Diego Costa ended a run of 603 minutes without a goal in all competitions for Chelsea. Relief. — OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 21, 2015

NORWICH CITY SUBS! Alex Neil uses all three substitutions at once, bringing on Hoolahan, Dorrans and Jerome in place of Howson, Mbokani and Mulumbu.

Chelsea need to be careful that they don't lower their high energy levels having finally edged ahead. They have been on top all afternoon, but Norwich are perhaps sensing a route back into the game now that their opponents have dropped their guard a little.

Dorrans has to get across to cut out Kenedy's cross, as Chelsea look to double their advantage. Norwich are still very much in this one, knowing that they still have 13 minutes to create one big chance.

SHOT! A decent attempt from Pedro, who curls his shot from 20 yards out narrowly wide of the target. No real chances for either side since Costa's breakthrough goal.

Norwich really need to try to wrestle the ball back from their opponents. Chelsea look in no danger whatsoever at the moment, despite this slender scoreline. Mourinho still has a full selection of subs available, remember.

CHELSEA SUB! Oscar replaces Pedro for these final eight minutes or so. The Spaniard has had a decent enough afternoon, but he has not really had a major say in the match.

This has been an incredibly disappointing second-half display from Norwich, who have simply not asked enough questions of their opponents. With six minutes left to play, and still just the one goal in it, they should be throwing all that they have an the Blues.

SAVE! A trademark Matic drive through midfield ends with the Serbian clean through on goal, but he struck the ball straight at Ruddy. Norwich look to get forward quickly but an offside call sees the move break down.

CHELSEA SUB! Willian makes way for Ramires late on, as the hosts look to shore up their midfield ranks. Not long left to hold out now.

Chelsea have dropped more points from winning positions than any other side in the Premier League this term, which perhaps explains the nervousness around Stamford Bridge. Norwich piling bodies forward now as we approach added time.

CHELSEA SUB! Azpilicueta replaces man of the match Hazard. Five at the back for the Blues now by the look of things.

We have played the first of five added minutes at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea now having to do a lot of defending, with the Canaries desperately trying to grab a late point.

Norwich replying on crosses into the box, but Chelsea are remaining strong. The Blues have plenty of space to run into as a result of the visitors pressing high.

Chelsea are still not over the line, as we enter the final minute of the contest. Can Norwich create one last chance? Their second-half showing so far certainly suggests that will not be the case.

What a huge win this could turn out to be for Chelsea, who were deserved winners on the day. The Canaries frustrated their opponents for large parts, but in the end Diego Costa's coolly-taken goal was enough to end the home side's three-game losing run. Norwich's best chance came at the end of the first half when Sebastian Bassong saw his close-range shot blocked aside by John Terry, with Chelsea doing enough to claim the win that could kick-start their season.

Chelsea climb above their opponents into 15th place as a result of the victory, finding themselves 12 points adrift of fourth-place Arsenal now in the race to land a Champions League spot. That concludes Sports Mole's live text coverage of the action at Stamford Bridge, but be sure to stick around as we bring you an in-depth analysis and player ratings in due course.