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Premier League talking points for this weekend’s action

By David Hathaway

Could Chelsea actually be relegated?
Could Chelsea actually be relegated? /
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Eden Hazard dribbles by West Ham defenders in Chelsea's victory. PHOTO COURTESY of @ChelseaFC Twitter Account.
Eden Hazard dribbles by West Ham defenders in Chelsea’s victory. PHOTO COURTESY of @ChelseaFC Twitter Account. /

How will Chelsea respond to the firing of José Mourinho?

All eyes will be on Stamford Bridge this weekend to see what reaction the Chelsea squad have to the toppling of their charismatic dictator. With rumours of spreading discontent within the squad, and the Champions suffering through a terrible run of form—they have lost nine of their first 16 games—the axe has seemed to hover over José Mourinho’s neck for a number of weeks, yet his removal from the post still feels like the end of an era.

Chelsea have played like a team bereft of confidence or motivation; where once Mourinho could influence his charges to consistent performances of brutal effectiveness, this season, the puppet strings have been severed.

Eden Hazard, and Cesc Fabregas—two vital cogs in last season’s charge to the Premier League title—have been dire all season, sparking rumours of conflict between the manager and players.

With Mourinho ousted and Guus Hiddink looking likely to come in until at least the end of the season—at the time of writing, Hiddink is reported to be in London, discussing terms with the Chelsea hierarchy—Chelsea will be hoping to reanimate their lifeless season. With Sunderland visiting Stamford Bridge this weekend, they couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to finally get back to winning ways and start the second post-Mourinho era with a vital three points.

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