Chelsea saw their Premier League title hopes suffer a serious blow on Sunday as they drew 0-0 at home to Norwich City.
The Blues, who hit the woodwork twice through Andre Schurrle and David Luiz, will be out of the running to lift the trophy next weekend if Liverpool beat Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Meanwhile, a point for Norwich means that the Canaries are still in with a chance to avoid relegation.
Read Sports Mole's minute-by-minute report below to find out how all of the action unfolded at Stamford Bridge.
Hello there and welcome to Sports Mole's live text coverage of this afternoon's Premier League encounter as Chelsea welcome Norwich City to Stamford Bridge. This game has a huge bearing on both the top and bottom of the table. Team news should be through shortly.
NORWICH: Ruddy; Martin, R Bennett, Turner, Whittaker; Tettey; Snodgrass, Johnson, Howson, Olsson; Elmander
NORWICH SUBS: Bunn, Bassong, van Wolfswinkel, Fer, Hooper, E Bennett, Redmond
Norwich caretaker manager Neil Adams makes three changes to his starting lineup following last weekend's 4-0 defeat at Manchester United as Ryan Bennett, Alex Tettey and Johan Elmander are all recalled. Nathan Redmond, Rickey van Wolfswinkel and Leroy Fer drop to the bench.
CHELSEA: Schwarzer; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole; Lampard, Matic; Salah, Willian, Schurrle; Ba
CHELSEA SUBS: Hilario, Kalas, D Luiz, Van Ginkel, Hazard, Torres, Eto'o
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has made a whopping five changes to his side after seeing them exit the Champions League semi-finals against Atletico Madrid in midweek. Frank Lampard and Nemanja Matic return in midfield, while Mohamed Salah, Andre Schurrle and Demba Ba are also given the nod. David Luiz, Eden Hazard and Fernando Torres have to settle for a place among the substitutes. Ramires remains suspended, and Cesar Azpilicueta misses out altogether.
So, what's at stake this afternoon at Stamford Bridge? Well, Chelsea can go to the top of the table if they win. The Blues will open up a one-point lead over Liverpool and Manchester City, though they will have played a game more come the end of the day. Meanwhile, Norwich have to avoid defeat if they want to stay in the Premier League.
Manchester City took a step closer to the title yesterday thanks to a 3-2 victory at Everton, but Chelsea can keep the pressure on Manuel Pellegrini's side if they earn the three points against Norwich. Not that Jose Mourinho thinks that his team has a chance of lifting the trophy next weekend.
While Chelsea are battling away near the top of the table, Norwich are fighting for their lives down at the bottom. Fulham and Cardiff City were both condemned to relegation yesterday, and the Canaries could well join them this afternoon. It's effectively between themselves and Sunderland in terms of who finishes in the bottom three, though the Black Cats' 1-0 win at Manchester United on Saturday gave Gus Poyet's side a massive boost in their bid to stay up.
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho: "We have two more matches to play and we have to do it in a professional way, try to win both to finish the season with a feeling of victory."
Norwich caretaker boss Neil Adams: "Everyone outside of Norfolk doesn't give us a chance on Sunday. Chelsea are going for the title and we are in the bottom three and it doesn't take a genius to work out who the neutral will be fancying to win the game."
Recent form in all competitions:
CHELSEA: WWLDWL
NORWICH: WLLLLL
As you can see below, a run of five consecutive defeats has seen Norwich slip into the relegation zone in recent weeks. Their last victory came over a month ago when they defeated fellow strugglers Sunderland at Carrow Road. However, they may take some inspiration from Sunderland's recent win at Stamford Bridge, a result that brought an end to Jose Mourinho's 77-game unbeaten streak at home as Chelsea manager in the Premier League.
HEAD TO HEAD: Chelsea have the better record when it comes to past meetings between these sides, winning 16 times compared to 12 for Norwich. There have also been 12 draws since they first faced each other.
Chelsea have been far superior in recent years as well thanks to eight wins from their last nine encounters versus Norwich. One of those triumphs came earlier this season when a stunning goal from Willian helped them earn a 3-1 victory at Carrow Road. The Canaries' last win against the Blues came back in December 1994, while their last victory at Stamford Bridge was in October 1993.
PREDICTION TIME: Barring some kind of miracle, it's very hard to see past a Chelsea win this afternoon. The Blues trump their opponents in every department, and only a below-par performance from the hosts is likely to give the Canaries any sort of chance. We here at Sports Mole just don't see that happening. Put us down for a 3-1 victory to the home side.
UPDATE: Today's early kickoff in the Premier League saw Arsenal earn a 1-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in their final match of the season at the Emirates Stadium. You can check out our match report for that one right here.
One interesting point with regards to the Chelsea squad is Eden Hazard's place on the bench. The Belgian appeared to criticise Jose Mourinho for his negative tactics following Wednesday's defeat to Atletico Madrid - could this be seen as a punishment for the PFA Young Player of the Year?
The players are starting to emerge in the tunnel, ready to step out onto the pitch at Stamford Bridge. For those of you who are interested, the sun is shining brightly in West London. It's glorious conditions for football. Not long to go now.
Here come the teams!
KICKOFF! The players are out, the pre-match handshakes have been done, and it will be hosts Chelsea to kick us off. Here we go!
It's Chelsea who have controlled the opening few minutes of this match, keeping the ball well and trying to stretch Norwich. The visitors have hardly seen the ball so far. An early chance for the home side sees Schurrle try his luck from the edge of the box, but it's an easy save for Ruddy in the end.
Ba is not a happy bunny. The Chelsea striker looked to have been elbowed in the stomach by Turner inside the Norwich area before going down and staying down. He received treatment following the incident, and is now back on his feet.
This is better from Norwich now as they enjoy a bit more of the ball. The visitors haven't threatened the Chelsea goal so far, but Neil Adams is likely to be pleased with the way his players are trying to make something happen.
PENALTY APPEAL! Norwich want a penalty, but referee Neil Swarbrick is having none of it. It was Olsson who made a good run into the Chelsea box before being brought down by Cole. However, the Norwich appeals are waved away. That could easily have been given in the visitors' favour.
While he could have given away a penalty at the other end, Cole has been a genuine threat for Chelsea so far down the left flank. The veteran full-back is running at the visiting defence and causing them plenty of problems. One instance sees him whip a dangerous cross towards Ba, only for Ruddy to come off his line and collect.
CHANCE! Chelsea have a great opportunity to open the scoring, but some bad decision-making from Ba sees the chance go to waste. The striker bursts down the left wing before trying to deliver a cross in towards the unmarked Schurrle. However, Ba's cross doesn't have enough on it and Ruddy gathers with ease.
The hosts continue to pile the pressure on Norwich, only for the visitors to stand firm. Salah creates some space for himself down the right before floating a cross in towards Ba, but Ruddy is there again to deal with the danger. Norwich are being forced further and further back.
CHANCE! Norwich come within inches of taking the lead! Olsson delivers a beauty of a cross out on the right, but Snodgrass just can't get in front of his marker to convert from close range. That was so close for the away side.
CHANCE! Now it's Chelsea who come close through a Terry header. The skipper rose highest to get on the end of Schurrle's corner, only for his effort to go straight at Ruddy. The game is opening up a bit, though it's Chelsea who remain in control.
It feels like a matter of time before Chelsea take the lead. Jose Mourinho's side are completely dominating at the moment, but they're lacking that killer instinct up top.
While Chelsea are controlling the match in terms of possession, Norwich boss Neil Adams is likely to be quietly pleased with how his players have performed. The Canaries are remaining resolute at the back, making it hard for their opponents to get in behind them. Getting to half time with the score as it is would be a decent effort from the visitors.
OFF THE POST! Chelsea almost make the breakthrough, but Schurrle is denied by the woodwork! Matic delivers a wonderful pass into the feet of the German down the right before he moves into the Norwich box. Schurrle then tries to curl the ball into the far corner, only to see his effort kept out by the post.
It feels like an eternity since Norwich ventured into the Chelsea half. The visitors are having to soak up an awful lot of pressure right now. Schurrle has another crack at goal, this time from the egde of the box, though Ruddy makes the save in the end.
WHOOSH! Cole saw his name in lights there with an ambitious effort from 25 yards. Did it go anywhere near the goal? No, it went high into the stand.
Five minutes of normal time left to play, and it's still goalless at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea are having to remain patient because Norwich, to their credit, are making them work for it. No sign of frustration from the home fans yet though.
Chelsea look to end the half with a flourish through Willian, but the Brazilian can only shank his 25-yard effort well wide of goal. That was an atrocious attempt on goal.
There will be two minutes of added time at the end of the first half...
HALF TIME: CHELSEA 0-0 NORWICH
Let's be honest: that was not the most riveting 45 minutes of football we have seen this season. However, there have been a few good chances at either end. Most of those have come for Chelsea, though Norwich have also had their moments.
The biggest talking point came inside the opening 10 minutes when Olsson was fouled by Cole inside the area, but referee Neil Swarbrick waved away the Norwich appeals for a penalty. The visitors should feel aggrieved that they weren't awarded a spot kick.
Meanwhile, Chelsea's best chance fell the way of Schurrle. The German did brilliantly to weave his way into the box, only to see his shot come back off the post. The hosts have done their share of huffing and puffing so far, but Norwich have stood firm at the back.
While Jose Mourinho has been accused of using negative tactics in recent weeks, it's hard to say that Chelsea haven't been attack-minded. They've looked to get at Norwich whenever possible. The one major criticism of their play so far would be that there hasn't been enough spark in the final third. Schurrle and Willian have tried to make things happen, though Ba and Salah have offered little.
UPDATE: Today's early kickoff in the Premier League saw Arsenal beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0 at the Emirates Stadium thanks to Olivier Giroud's first-half goal. You can read our match report for that match right here. As long as you promise to come back.
It will be interesting to see if Jose Mourinho decides to throw Eden Hazard on at the break. The Belgian had a dressing down in midweek following his criticism of the Portuguese's tactics. As for Norwich, Neil Adams is likely to be telling his players to keep frustrating Chelsea. Anything but a defeat for the Canaries will give them a fighting chance of staying up.
SECOND HALF UNDERWAY! The teams are back out, and it will be Norwich to kick us off for the second half. Chelsea have indeed made some changes at the break, with Eden Hazard and David Luiz coming on for Mohamed Salah and Frank Lampard.
OFF THE BAR! An instant impact from the substitutes as Luiz gets the ball on the edge of the box following some good work from Hazard down the right. The Brazilian hits a thunderous effort towards goal, but his strike comes back off the crossbar.
Chelsea have started this second half strongly, with Hazard already causing Norwich plenty of problems. The Belgian is never afraid to take on an opponent or two, and he's already up to his usual tricks.
While it's been far from a one-man show at the start of this half, Hazard is already a making a big difference to the way Chelsea are attacking. His presence seems to have brought his teammates to life following an off-key opening 45 minutes for the Blues.
Chelsea want a penalty as Hazard goes down under a challenge from Bennett, but the flag was up for offside anyway. Still, this is much more positive from the home side. The fans are also responding in kind, urging their players forward to score the opening goal of the game. Ivanovic goes into the book for his protests to Neil Swarbrick.
YELLOW CARD! Norwich defender Bennett now goes into the book for taking to long over a throw. The visitors have hardly been out of their own half since the restart.
Norwich are starting to enjoy a bit more of the ball, though they're struggling to do anything with it when they push forward. Elmander has absolutely no support up front. That said, the Canaries may fancy their chances as time wears on.
Ba and Hazard exchange passes dangerously inside the Norwich box, but the move eventually breaks down as the visitors clear. It looks like it's going to be a Chelsea onslaught for the final 25 minutes of this match. Norwich are defending with their lives at the moment.
CHANCE! Close for Chelsea as Matic lets rip from the edge of the area, only for his effort to be deflected wide. Luiz gets on the end of the resulting corner, but he can't get his header on target.
SUBSTITUTION: Norwich make a change now as Nathan Redmond enters the action in place of Johan Elmander. Despite his best efforts, the big Swede has had very little to work with this afternoon.
CHANCE! Norwich almost take a shock lead as Snodgrass gets on the end of Redmond's pass to run through on goal, but Cahill does just about enough to put in a superb tackle and thwart the danger. The defender had to get that spot on, and he did.
SUBSTITUTION: Another change for Chelsea sees Fernando Torres replace Nemanja Matic. Can the much-maligned striker get his side that all-important opening goal?
Norwich have seen a bit more spark about them since Redmond entered the field of play. The youngster has given his side some much-needed attacking intent. The game is finely poised as we head into the final 15 minutes of Stamford Bridge. You get the feeling that this could go either way.
SAVE! That's a good stop from Ruddy to keep the scores level. Hazard jinked his way past a couple of Norwich defenders inside the box before seeing his powerful drive batted away by the goalkeeper. The ball fell to Torres after that, but the striker slammed his shot high and wide.
It's been all Chelsea for the past 10 minutes or so, and you expect it to be this way for the remainder of the match. Norwich will quite happily take a draw as things stand, but the hosts need a win to keep their title hopes alive.
This really is anyone's game now. Chelsea are doing all of the pressing at the moment, but Norwich are posing a bit of a threat on the break. While they will be happy with a point, could the Canaries fancy their chances and push forward in order to try to snatch the points?
Three minutes of added time to be played at Stamford Bridge...
Injury time is almost up. Chelsea are throwing nearly everyone forward in search of what would be a massive goal in the title race. Meanwhile, the Norwich fans are singing loudly and proudly in their corner of the stadium.
FULL TIME: CHELSEA 0-0 NORWICH
The full-time whistle goes, bringing an end to an intriguing 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge where it's ended 0-0 between Chelsea and Norwich. Jose Mourinho's side aren't quite out of the title race, but they will be if Liverpool win at Crystal Palace tomorrow night. Meanwhile, Norwich remain in the relegation zone. However, the Canaries are now just two points adrift of 17th-placed Sunderland.
That's all from our live text coverage of this afternoon's game, but don't forget that you can keep up to date with all the post-match reaction right here on Sports Mole. Thanks for your company, and we hope to see you again soon. Goodbye!
