Chelsea have bounced back superbly from their shock 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United last weekend, comfortably disposing of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, not to mention Hull City on Saturday to maintain their three point lead at the top of the Premier League.

Despite losing their unbeaten record, the Blues have been by far and away the outstanding team in the country this term and everything is certainly looking good heading into the New Year.

Mourinho will be aware the upcoming Christmas period will be a testing time but one in which he can firmly establish his side as the Premier League’s front runners despite the recent re-emergence of Manchester City.

But last weekend’s trip to the north east proved a wake up call and a possible sign that it won’t be as easy for the Blues this season as many are making out.

Especially perhaps if any of these five ‘worst case scenarios’ were to take place over the coming weeks.