The Blues could find themselves in the Premier League drop zone this weekend – defeated, deflated and dumbfounded.

Nothing is clicking for Chelsea, who lost again on Monday night – this time to high-flying Leicester.

All fans can hope is that Jose Mourinho (or whoever’s occupying the manager’s seat) makes a handful of inspired buys in January, and that those newcomers steer an upward course.

Mourinho drew a subtle distinction after the 2-1 loss at the King Power between being in a relegation fight and being in the relegation zone, but it was hair-splitting lost on everyone as each defeat – and there have now been nine in the league – emboldens everyone else.

There’s now no mystique about facing Chelsea. Opponents wind up Diego Costa, neutralise Eden Hazard and are handed three points.

Swansea, Norwich, Sunderland and Villa, the only sides currently below Chelsea, must all fancy their chances. Wouldn’t you know it, Sunderland are next up... at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon.

Jose thinks his players need to show a bit of humility, and stop prancing around like carefree superstars.

He’s right, but humility may not be enough for the current crop of misfiring, leaden-footed first-teamers at the Bridge.

The last time Chelsea lost nine of their first 16 league games was in 1978-79, when they were relegated.

Hazard, one of the few bright sparks for Chelsea in an otherwise dim and gloomy season, limped off injured against Leicester, posing a fresh problem.

After a first half at the King Power which counts as one of Chelsea’s poorest, a drastic reshuffle did produce more positive results in the second.

Captain John Terry was subbed as the Blues pushed for parity… but even with a dramatic improvement in play, and one goal clawed back, the champions didn’t have enough to draw level.

The Blues have drawn Paris St Germain in the Champions League. Cue more gallows humour.