Chelsea's season took a turn for the better this week when they confirmed their place in the League Cup final with a penalty shoot-out win over Spurs at the Bridge.

The Blues had been in danger of seeing their campaign fall apart somewhat, with comments from manager Mauro Sarri in the week not doing the club any favours in terms of the perception the onlooking footballing world has of Chelsea's squad.

There was substance to his comments though, and Sarri might well have a point, especially in relation to a certain group of his players, who have simply not been putting in the performances required of the Blues this term.

We in then Tavern feel there has to be an improvement in the displays of certain individuals in the Blues squad, and feel that without showing that improvement, they could well be shipped out before long.

With those thoughts in mind, we looked at TWO Chelsea players who have plenty to prove in the coming months...

Mateo Kovacic

The midfielder, despite only being on loan from Real Madrid, is hardly pulling up trees at the Bridge at the moment, and he needs to improve if he is to seal a permanent move.

The Croatian is clearly a talent, but like with his spell in Madrid, he has failed to impose himself as much as he should do.

Kovacic has plenty to prove in our eyes, and needs to step up in the coming months.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek

The England midfielder has still not nailed down a regular place in the Blues' starting XI, and it's getting to the point where it really is now or never for the former Crystal Palace loanee.

Loftus-Cheek has so much talent, but he just isn't showcasing it, whether that through no fault of his own or not.

It's a big few months for the 23-year-old, who could find himself on his way out of the Bridge without a big improvement in on-field displays.