On paper, the visit of Norwich to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon is just what the doctor ordered.

An average team of middle-ranking players, led by a so-so manager. And Norwich are much the same.

The Blues and the Canaries actually have identical goal difference in the Premier League, with each team scoring 16 and conceding 23.

Something’s got to give in this bottom-of-the-table six-pointer, with 15th playing 16th, and the winners in with a realistic chance of climbing up to 14th.

The cancellation of Tuesday night’s Belgium v Spain friendly because of security concerns meant that Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas, Cesar Azpilicueta, Eden Hazard and Pedro had an unexpected night off to recharge batteries and avoid injuries.

Which should add to the strength of Chelsea as Jose Mourinho attempts to steady the ship and point it back in the right direction.

These are grimly fascinating days in SW6. Speculation is swirling around the girders that support the stadium that there will be a monumental clear-out when the January transfer window opens in less than six weeks’ time.

It seems unlikely that Costa will retain his cherished position up front; Mourinho is getting exasperated with both his antics and his use of space, even if his workload isn’t being questioned.

Half a dozen new arrivals will turn Chelsea’s season into a damage limitation exercise to salvage something – perhaps just pride – after this woeful start.

As things stand, Jose will still be at the helm. But nobody is too confident that he will be putting the team through pre-season ahead of 2016-17.

When you reach the bottom, the only way should be up. But the Blues have somehow contrived to head sideways… neither improving nor worsening.