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 to regain a top-four spot.

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

Rumours, as always this year are flying around the pub among the regulars over Antonio Conte’s future, and player unrest is seeping through into the newspapers aplenty. All the while, the Italian is doing his best to remain upbeat and strong in a bid to keep the Stamford Bridge rocky boat steady, until the end of the season at least.

However, with the final few months of the season on the horizon, some serious tests await the Blues, who will have to dig deep. With that said, our landlord takes a look at what two matches, Conte needs to win to define this season…

FA Cup SF vs Southampton

Chelsea’s one and only chance at bringing a trophy to Stamford Bridge is the FA Cup this season. While they were losing finalist last year against Arsenal, Conte will surely want to rectify that wrong this time around.

A tricky tie against Southampton, who are under a new manager and former Chelsea striker Mark Hughes await, and with the club in the state it’s currently in a win would ease the pressure on the Conte’s shoulders.

Spurs at Home

Chelsea have to beat Spurs in a do-or-die type match to finish in the top-four because realistically if they come away with anything but a victory they are not going be in the Champions League next season.

Indeed, the focus for Conte should and only be around the Premier League, and a win away at Stamford Bridge will speak volumes, whilst hopefully giving the whole place a boost going into the final months of the season. If they can beat Tottenham, the Blues in our bar will be delighted.