Chelsea: manager race, injuries, Liverpool next

Manager hunt: Iraola leads the race

Andoni Iraola is currently the leading candidate for the Chelsea job (1). That's a significant shift after reports out of Spain suggested he was heading to Crystal Palace instead. That move appears to be off (3). Iraola would be a serious appointment. He's built Bournemouth into one of the best-coached sides in the league on a fraction of Chelsea's budget. Xabi Alonso is in the betting mix too (7), and Fabrizio Romano confirms Xavi is open to the role, but says there is "zero, nothing" actually happening between the two parties right now (9). Iraola is the name to watch.

Another injury to add to the pile

Chelsea have another player ruled out for the rest of the season (2). The squad is already stretched heading into the final three games, and the timing could not be worse with Liverpool away on Saturday. The source does not name the player, so treat this as unconfirmed on identity for now. What is confirmed: the injury crisis is real, and it will shape how Chelsea line up at Anfield (6).

Liverpool on Saturday

Chelsea head to Anfield this weekend sitting ninth in the Premier League (2). Three games left, Champions League football already gone. Liverpool are favourites, with bookmakers pricing a home win as the most likely outcome (11). Chelsea have nothing to play for in the table but plenty to prove about where this club is actually heading.

Transfer lines worth knowing

Chelsea will not sell Cole Palmer to Manchester United. Full stop (10). Whatever interest United have, it goes nowhere. Separately, Chelsea are being linked with Harry Kane, which would require a full rethink of their transfer approach (4). And one of last summer's £30m signings could be moved on after just one season, though the player is not named in current reports (12). Bunny Shaw has also spoken publicly about her Man City exit amid links to Chelsea (8).

Sources

  • 1. readchelsea.com — ‘Currently the leading candidate’ – Major news on next Chelsea manager
  • 2. readchelsea.com — Another Chelsea player ruled out for the rest of the season
  • 3. readchelsea.com — Major Andoni Iraola to Chelsea news, Crystal Palace U-turn
  • 4. readchelsea.com — Chelsea want to sign Harry Kane, ready to change transfer policy
  • 6. news.google.com — How should Chelsea line up against Liverpool amid fresh injury crisis? - We Ain't Got No History
  • 7. news.google.com — Xabi Alonso is among betting favourites for the Chelsea job. But is he suitable? - nytimes.com
  • 8. news.google.com — Bunny Shaw speaks out on Man City exit amid Chelsea transfer links - Metro.co.uk
  • 9. soccernews.com — Xavi open to becoming Chelsea manager
  • 10. soccernews.com — Chelsea will not sell Cole Palmer to Man Utd
  • 11. soccernews.com — Prediction: Liverpool vs Chelsea
  • 12. news.google.com — Chelsea tipped to sell £30m signing after just one season - Metro.co.uk