Chelsea supporters are witnessing their season crumbling into a Chelsea-style mess following their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Watford on Monday night. Antonio Conte’s side had previously suffered a 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth with the water levels beginning to rise inside the sinking ship at Stamford Bridge.
Many predict that Conte will not be Chelsea manager come the start of the 2018/19 season, something which will not surprise many considering the record Roman Abramovich has with firing managers after they have won the Premier League title.
It won’t be a surprise if the Blues decide to have a summer clearout, with these five players possibly heading for the exit door:
#1 Gary Cahill
The 32-year-old was targeted as the weak link during Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth last week. The Cherries front line tested the sharpness and mobility of the club’s senior man, who produced a poor display, both against Bournemouth and at Watford on Monday night. During this campaign, the Blues have won eight, drawn one and failed to taste defeat without Cahill in the side. Added with that, they have won seven and lost four encounters with the experienced centre-back in the starting XI. Youngster Andreas Christensen has been one of the standout performers at the back this term and it won’t be a surprise if Chelsea build the defence around him next season.
#2 Cesc Fabregas
Not a regular starter under Conte, Fabregas could make way for a fresh pair of legs this summer, with English duo Danny Drinkwater and Ross Barkley waiting in the wings. Added with that, big money summer signing Tiemoue Bakayoko has struggled since his move to Stamford Bridge, which could force the club to make more reinforcements in the midfield.
#3 Eden Hazard
Not a name Chelsea fans will want on the list because the Belgian is a key and standout performer for the club. Despite his team suffering a 4-1 defeat away at Vicarage Road on Monday night, Hazard was still one of the best players on the pitch with his wonderful long-range goal being his standout moment on the night. However, if the wing wizard does continue to produce the goods this term then a certain struggling Spanish side could come knocking for his services.
#4 Tiemoue Bakayoko
It is fair to say things are not going well for Bakayoko in his debut season in the Premier League. The French midfielder made a reported £40million move from Monaco last summer and his performances have not matched his price tag. Prior to being sent off against Watford, Bakayoko produced one of the worst individual performances of the season which saw him consistently lose the ball in the middle of the park. The youngster is clearly struggling to live up to the pace of the Premier League and it won’t be a surprise if the club’s hierarchy decides to loan him out this summer.
#5 Thibaut Courtois
Just like Hazard, the Chelsea faithful will want to see Thibaut Courtois playing at Stamford Bridge next season. However, they could be resigned to losing the duo this summer, particularly, when Courtois stated in the media this week that ‘Madrid is in his heart’. It remains to be seen if Madrid do make a move for the Belgian shot-stopper, who has grown into a top-class keeper in recent seasons.