Our Chelsea fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to re-kickstart their season into the latter stages of the campaign, and build a little momentum throughout this next five matches.

Chelsea have so far this year stumbled and spluttered their way through their title defence, as per usual, it seems. With a downward spiral in the Premier League currently happening and, hopes of a top-four finish not looking as nailed on as they did a few months ago, life is pretty frustrating in SW6.

Rumours are flying around the pub among the regulars over Antonio Conte’s future, and player unrest is seeping through into the newspapers. All the while, the Italian is remaining upbeat and head-strong in a bid to keep the Stamford Bridge outfit afloat, until the end of the season at least.

However, with the next five games come some serious tests of character and, the Blues will have to dig deep. Having four out of the five matches away from home will be tough too, with both Manchester clubs to face, a return leg against Barcelona and two tricky matches against Crystal Palace and Leicester City in the FA Cup.

Our landlord takes a look at what two matches, Conte needs to win…

Premier League v Manchester United

Chelsea have to finish in the top-four because realistically they are not going to win the Champions League to gain the qualification needed for next season. Indeed, focus for Conte should be around the Premier League, and a win away at Old Trafford will speak volumes, whilst hopefully giving the whole place going into the final months of the season a lift.

Getting one over on direct rival Jose Mourinho will certainly help matters also.

Fa Cup v Leicester City

Chelsea’s one chance at bringing a trophy back to Stamford Bridge is the FA Cup this season. While they were losing finalist last year, Conte will surely want to right that wrong this time around. A tricky tie against Leicester City awaits, and with the club in the state it’s currently in a win would ease a load of pressure on the manager’s shoulders.

If Conte is to leave, an FA Cup win would be a great way to go out.