BRENDAN RODGERS and Thomas Tuchel have emerged as the bookies' favourites to replace Frank Lampard at Chelsea.
The Blues boss is under huge pressure at Stamford Bridge after his side’s form nosedived over the festive period.
They were easily swept aside on home turf yesterday by Manchester City, who strolled to a 3-1 win in West London.
That result led to Chelsea dropping down to eighth in the Premier League.
Blues owner Roman Abramovich, who is renowned for his lack of patience, funded Lampard with £250m last summer to bring in the likes of Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech.
But all three have struggled since their arrival as Chelsea’s title hopes look non-existent after one win in seven.
That has led to speculation over Lampard, who achieved legendary status as a player for the club and is their all-time top goalscorer, and his future.
And if Abramovich does pull the trigger, Betfair have installed Leicester boss and former Chelsea coach Rodgers as favourite to take over at odds of 3/1.
Thomas Tuchel, who is at 5/1, has recently been sacked by Paris Saint-Germain and he is the second most-fancied for the potential job.
RB Leipzig’s Julian Naglesmann makes up the top three favourites – but here’s a look at why they are being considered:
BRENDAN RODGERS
He already knows the club well from his stint working there as coach and his Premier League experience and attacking style of play makes him an attractive target.
He is well-known for helping youngsters develop, and that will also ensure a huge tick next to his name considering the current crop of starlets such as Reece James and Mason Mount at Chelsea.
However, the only silverware he ever won as manager came at Celtic, and the lack of trophies south of the border could count against him.
And comments he made about the Blues while Liverpool manager could come back to haunt him.
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THOMAS TUCHEL
The German would be able to take over instantly and would not cost a penny after he was sacked by PSG last month.
Known for his stern and workaholic attitude, his approach would certainly be different from Lampard’s.
He has also had issues with the boardroom in Paris and at Borussia Dortmund, which could pose a problem with Abramovich after his bust-ups with Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte.
JULIAN NAGELSMANN
The German is already widely-regarded as one of the best coaches in the world despite only being 33.
His RB Leipzig team are famed for their attacking style, leading to them reaching the Champions League semi-finals last season.
And another plus point is the fact big-money buy Werner flourished under his at Leipzig – and a reunion could get the frontman finally firing for the Blues.
RAFA BENITEZ
A surprise name on the list given his previous stint in charge and is currently manager of Dalian Professional in China.
He guided Chelsea to the Europa League in 2013 but was hated by fans due to his past links with Liverpool.
JOHN TERRY
Captain. Leader. Manager?
The Chelsea legend, currently No2 to Dean Smith at Aston Villa, has made no secret of his desire to move into management.
He would be a popular choice with fans, but it seems unlikely he would be offered the job with Abramovich more likely to prefer an experienced hand.
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