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Chelsea have had it difficult this season in the Premier League, and after defeats to Burnley and Crystal Palace, with a recent 3-0 loss to Roma, Conte’s problems have become compounded.

While many believe Chelsea’s problems emanate from a porous defence, Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson thinks Chelsea’s weakness in midfield is where the problem really lie.

He told Sky Sports: “The main thing that concerns me is if N’Golo Kante doesn’t play they are like Arsenal without the ball.

“When Kante and Nemanja Matic played last season they just won it back so quickly.

“I like Tiemoue Bakayoko but it is going to take him a lot of time to adapt and Cesc Fabregas is great for his passing and guile but he’s a liability when they don’t have the ball.

“I don’t think they are title contenders and I think if they can get in the top four, win the FA Cup and get to the quarter-finals of the Champions League then that would represent a good season.”