5 players who need to fire consistently for Chelsea to win the Premier League?

Time runs way too fast, doesn’t it? It feels as though the season began only yesterday, but we have already reached the half-way line… well, almost. Right now, fans can already begin to realise how the final table could look like come May next year.

Manchester City are the clear favourites and Chelsea are quite far behind with 8 points separating the two teams. The way Pep Guardiola’s men have played thus far, it seems almost impossible to see any other team win the title.

However, the crunch part of the season is yet to be played and there is still a chance for Chelsea to topple the blue half of Manchester and defend their crown. For that to happen, some players must play with utmost consistency and diligence – and here are 5 of them…

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#5 Cesc Fabregas

This is a bit of a surprise inclusion given that he wasn’t among Conte’s starters, but after the departure of Nemanja Matic in the transfer window and the lack of creativity in the duo of N’Golo Kante and Tiemoue Bakayoko, it has become apparent that the Italian will have to rely on the Spaniard to provide the goods from midfield.

Chelsea might have one of the best attacks in the Premier League, but it all means nothing if the midfield isn’t there to provide the spark from behind. At this point in time, the only creative midfielder that the Blues have is Cesc Fabregas.

The former Barcelona midfielder is one of the finest passers of the ball and can pick out a team-mate before anyone. At his best, he is unplayable, but the only problem with him has been his inconsistency. It was this inconsistency that cut short his Barcelona career – and that is precisely why he should be on song for the rest of the reason because not only will it guide his team to the title, but also clear his name.

#4 Andreas Christensen

Christensen has been in good form

Another surprise inclusion, Andreas Christensen has been in solid form ever since cementing his place in the first-team after toppling David Luiz. After the Brazilian’s horrendous outing against Roma, the former Juventus manager deemed it necessary to bring in the Dane to the team.

And he hasn’t disappointed since, forming a great partnership with Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta while being in the heart of the defence.

Not only is he a great defender, he is also excellent on the ball as his through-ball to Victor Moses against Newcastle dropped the jaws of many fans. He has shown, thus far, that he has all it takes to be a proper libero and can really help Chelsea with his abilities for years to come.

Attack wins you games while defence wins you matches – which is why it is only fair to claim that if Christensen keeps up his form for the rest of the season, Chelsea have a good chance to retain their title.

#3 N’Golo Kante

Kante is a pivotal figure in midfield

The thing is, N’Golo Kante has won the Premier League two times in a row – and he was the centre of the team on both occasions. With Leicester City, he was the fulcrum of Ranieri’s team that focused on counter-attacking while defending with a low-block.

And for Chelsea, he became the midfield general – the guardian of the defence – in Conte’s three-man defence. It is of no coincidence that his best form had a direct proportion with his team winning the Premier League trophy.

With 8 points behind City and having played one game extra, it will be very difficult for the Blues to get ahead of the Etihad outfit by the end of the season. However, if Kante, who hasn’t been as good as he was in the last two seasons, picks up his optimal form and keeps it up for the rest of the season, Chelsea could yet win the title again.

#2 Eden Hazard

Manchester United v Chelsea - Premier League

Now we pick up the usual suspects. While defence wins you championships, attacks wins you games which, in turn, wins you championships… um, that’s weird, but makes sense in a way, doesn’t it?

And who is the most talented attacking player at Chelsea? Eden Freaking Hazard.

The Belgian came to Chelsea in the summer after their Champions League winning campaign in 2012. At that time, he was among the best young talents in the world. And now, after 5 years in London, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to claim that he is one of the top 5 players in the world.

In Jose Mourinho’s third season at Chelsea, the former Lille forward lost his touch and Chelsea, as a result, fell from grace just a season after winning the league. However, with the arrival of Antonio Conte, the Belgian once again rediscovered his form and helped Chelsea win the Premier League under the former Italy boss.

So it goes without saying: Chelsea are more likely to win the league with Eden Hazard on fire.

#1 Alvaro Morata

Morata has had a good start to his Chelsea career

While Diego Costa might not be a Chelsea player anymore, it can’t be denied that his contribution last season led to the club winning the Premier League last season. He scored 20 goals in 35 Premier League games to help Chelsea claim the title.

After his departure, fans might have been happy, but were also concerned about his replacement. After all, this is a man that is one of the best strikers in the game and can actually back up his terrible antics with his on-pitch performances.

And this is where Alvaro Morata’s form plays such an important role. The Spaniard shifted to London after being unhappy with his bench role at the Bernabeu. While he started his season well, he has to take his game to the next level and improve on his current tally of 9 goals from 19 games.

For a team to win a title, a 30-goal forward is a necessity – and Alvaro Morata should be just that.