It is probably fair to say now that if Chelsea have another defeat within their next five matches, then Frank Lampard could well see the Stamford Bridge exit door.
General consensus is that his job is under threat after last night’s 3-1 loss to Manchester City, but he is in no immediate danger of losing his job, as in this week anyway.
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However, every game now is going to be scrutinised by the board, and any defeat you would fear could see the end of Lampard as the Chelsea manager.
But Lampard does have a decent chance of saving his Chelsea career, and he can do it in the next 5 matches which on paper, could actually be a lot tougher.
Sunday brings his first game against Morecombe in the FA Cup. Lampard can use this to give his key players extra rest for the following Premier League games, but he will still field a fairly strong line up of fringe players and some youth, and a win is a must.
Then it is Fulham, Leicester City, Wolves, and Burnley.
No games are easy in the Premier League, and the Lampard tight rope will be swinging fast as he tries to get across. These are far from easy games, but two wins in a row in the next two would put Chelsea in some winning momentum again and certainly should be achievable.
Leicester will present a tough game, but again a result here is more than possible and this is a game where Lampard will be judged on more than the rest. If they can win this and get three wins in a row, his ship will be well on the way to being steadied again.
Wolves and Burnley are certainly more than beatable ties, and Chelsea have the quality and talent to win all 5 of these games.
It will be a test after reports of some player unrest in the camp, and if Chelsea do not beat Fulham you feel it will be curtains closed for Lampard.
