Chelsea news LIVE updates – Express Sport brings you all the latest from Stamford Bridge
Saturday 21 October
Bakayoko not feeling Matic pressure
07.45 Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko has claimed he does not feel the pressure to emulate his predecessor Nemanja Matic.
“I’m not here to do what Matic did. Matic is a player that I really like; he’s a very good footballer,” he told Sky Sports.
“I’m here to play my game, to try to implement what the coach asks, which means sticking tight to the opponents’ playmaker, getting forward when I can and, above all, controlling the ball well and anticipating the play
“I don’t want to do what Matic did here just because I play in the same position as him. I’m trying to do what I know how to do and if the coach is happy with that, great. If he isn’t, I’ll keep working hard to become the player that he wants me to be.”
Conte the magician
07.00: Antonio Conte has claimed he is the “magician” who predicted Chelsea’s mounting problems this season.
“I was a magician to anticipate this,” said Conte. “For sure, you hope you won’t have problems in your season.
“But I stay here to work. I stay here to put all of myself into this club, for the fans and the players. Me and my staff.
“I’m a person who is not afraid to face difficulties. My history speaks very clearly on that. I have fought in the relegation zone.
Friday 20 October
Conte sacked by Christmas
22.30: It’s today being claimed Antonio Conte will leave Chelsea before Christmas.
That’s according to Arsenal legend Perry Groves, who is sure Roman Abramovich will wield the axe.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Groves said: “Antonio Conte will be gone and away from Chelsea by Christmas.
“If someone keeps moaning and groaning, Roman Abramovich doesn’t care – he’s ruthless.”
Midfield injury chaos
21.30: Cess Fabregas is Antonio Conte’s only fit midfielder ahead of their match with Watford.
David Luiz picked up an injury against Roma, N’Golo Kane is out and Danny Drinkwater is just back in training, while Tiemoue Bakayoko also has a knock.
When asked about his team selection for Saturday’s clash, Conte said: “Honestly at the moment I can tell nothing about the starting XI for tomorrow.
“I have many doubts. I hope in these 24 hours to try to recover some players. It could be [Cesc is only one fit in midfield].”
