Chelsea may have returned to the top four of the Premier League on Monday night but in the end it was the not result they would have hoped for.
In a heated encounter with Burnley at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea came from behind, before taking the lead, only to surrender it in a thrilling first 45 minutes of football that ended 2-2.
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Chelsea were held by Burnley on Monday night
It is seen as a wasted opportunity for Maurizio Sarri’s men, who failed to capitalise on their fellow Champions League-chasing rivals all losing over the Easter weekend and in many ways summed up the frustrations of a campaign that started promisingly but has become alarmingly inconsistent.
Tottenham, Manchester United and Arsenal were beaten, but Chelsea were left frustrated and have now played a game more than the aforementioned trio.
There is still the Europa League to play for and it could be Chelsea’s best bet of securing themselves a Champions League spot for next season.
As the Blues await on news of their proposed transfer ban, talkSPORT.com looks at who they need to keep, sell or send out on loan.
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Kepa Arrizabalaga
The world’s most expensive goalkeeper has been a steady if not spectacular presence in goal for Chelsea in his debut season in England. Reliable with the ball at feet, a trait required in the modern game, Kepa has conceded some questionable goals, but the 24-year-old will only get better and must be given time to prove his worth. KEEP
Cesar Azpilicueta
The current Chelsea captain epitomises the term ‘model professional’ and has been a consistent figure in the back line once again, playing a staggering 51 times in all competitions and while he has not at his best compared to years gone by, he is still one of the top defenders in the league. Will need to stay on top of his game next season, with Reece James set to return, following an outstanding season at Wigan. KEEP
David Luiz
He’s capable of spraying a 60-yard diagonal pass with ease and in the same breath, suffering from a severe lapse in concentration, which has proved costly for Chelsea, think Tottenham at Wembley. Outstanding on the ball, Luiz can link play from the back, but his ability in defence has been questioned and not for the first time in a Chelsea shirt. KEEP
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David Luiz is class but prone to bouts of sloppiness
Antonio Rudiger
Chelsea’s best defender this season, the German international has the lot; pace, power, intelligence and class on the ball too. He has rightly cemented himself as one of the first names on the team-sheet. KEEP
Andreas Christensen
While there was continued speculation that the 23-year-old would be sold, he has recently managed to play his way back into contention under Sarri.
The Dane began the season predominately in the cup competitions and there have been a few shaky moments, understandably, given the lack of consistency he has been afforded. Hugely talented, he will hopefully be given more minutes in the league in 2019/20. KEEP
Marcos Alonso
Much like the club themselves, it has been a infuriating season for the Spaniard. Having been one of the club’s best players over the past two years, Alonso’s form has dipped since Christmas and he has since been in and out of the team for Emerson and will need to step his game up considerably if he is to become a mainstay once more. KEEP
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Alonso’s form has dipped in recent months
Gary Cahill
The long-serving Chelsea veteran has been restricted to one Premier League appearance this season and has not featured at all since November. His lack of playing time has been harsh, given he has been a excellent servant to the club, winning every major trophy, but with the season drawing to a close, the 33-year-old is surely set to leave in the summer. SELL
Emerson
Another defender who was on the periphery of the first-team at the start of the season, Emerson has found more opportunities to play given the lack of form by Alonso. Can look good going forward, but he is unlikely to be the long-term option. Will more than likely stay next season, as Chelsea like to have at least two players for every defensive position. KEEP
N’Golo Kante
Sarri has continued to play the Frenchman out of position despite his best role being the protector of his defence. However, the World Cup winner has gone about business as usual in his typical manner, never seeming to look remotely tired and continues to be one of the world’s outstanding midfielders. Has added goals to his game this season and struck against Burnley on Monday. KEEP
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N’Golo Kante has added goals to his game
Jorginho
The Italian has been the recipient of Chelsea fans’ anger due to his past connections with Sarri and the fact he is virtually indispensable, despite a number of below-par displays. Tasked with dictating the midfield, his passing statistics are the best in the league, but he is not suited to the defensive midfield role. Too lightweight and can look short of ideas when a team have worked him out. KEEP
Ross Barkley
On England duty, Barkley is a different animal, surging forward, creative and scoring goals. Put him in a Chelsea shirt however, and he retreats into a passive shell, playing the safe option and lacking confidence. Shown in flashes his capabilities and was excellent in October, netting three successive matches and has also looked decent in the Europa League. Has fallen behind Ruben Loftus-Cheek it would appear. KEEP
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Barkley has now adopted a cautious style to his play
Mateo Kovacic
On-loan from Real Madrid, the Croatian is a solid midfielder and good on the ball, but it still remains to be seen what he is best at. Not defensive and not attacking enough, he has been rotated with Barkley throughout the season and has yet to contribute a goal or assist. SEND BACK
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Has finally been given a well-deserved chance in the first-team and is making it count. The England star looks at home in the Chelsea midfield and you wonder what has take Sarri so long when his talent has been obvious to everyone else for ages. Impressed again against Burnley and looks set for an important role next season. KEEP
Callum Hudson-OdoiÂ
Limped out of the Burnley match with a ruptured Achillies, but the teenager has shown enough this season to prove he has a long-term future at Stamford Bridge. Linked with Bayern Munich in January, Chelsea saw sense and kept hold. Won his first caps for England last month and has the X-factor that few players in the Chelsea squad possess. KEEP
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Hudson-Odoi is the youngest ever Chelsea player to start four consecutive Premier League games
Willian
Opinions are mixed on the Brazilian, who on his day can be threatening, but those days are getting less frequent. Has one more year on his contract and Chelsea already turned down a January bid for him from Barcelona. Will more than likely stay. SELL
Pedro
Like Willian, can be good, can be bad. The two have been battling for a right wing slot and neither man has nailed down that role. Has been a good signing and was brilliant in the title-winning season under Antonio Conte, but now would be a good time to move on. SELL
Olivier Giroud
He’s the top goalscorer in the Europa League and won the World Cup last summer with France and was consistent for Arsenal, but Giroud has had to play second-fiddle for much of his spell at Chelsea, first to Alvaro Morata and now Gonzalo Higuain.
Very underrated, Giroud is a excellent target-man and his link play has been admired by the likes of Eden Hazard. Not a prolific scorer, but he should definitely remain with the Blues. KEEP
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Olivier Giroud is an excellent target man
Gonzalo Higuain
Scored a superb goal against Burnley, but has not done too much to convince Chelsea supporters he is worth extending his loan or becoming a permanent signing. Tidy on the ball, Higuain has never been known for his speed, but has looked ponderous and slow on occasions and is likely to head back to Italy. SEND BACK
Eden Hazard
Chelsea’s best player, not much else needs to be said, but he will probably end up signing for Real Madrid. KEEP
How Chelsea SHOULD line up next season
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Chelsea possible 2019/20 starting XI
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