Chelsea's inconsistent performances will be under further scrutiny on Sunday when the Blues take on Ipswich Town at Stamford Bridge (2pm kick-off).

Sport News went to press before last night's UEFA Cup second Leg tie against Hapoel Tel Aviv. At 2-0 down from the first leg, I hope the Blues have managed to recover the deficit and are in the hat for today's UEFA Cup draw.

If Chelsea have failed to progress in Europe, only a serious challenge to the Premiership title will prevent questions being asked about Claudio Ranieri's reign.

Since taking over from fans' favourite Gianluca Vialli, Ranieri has transformed the backroom staff and ousted several key players including Frank Lebeouf. But the level of performance has not been consistent and with the exception of Emmanuel Petit, the new players do not possess proven track records.

Chelsea's form this season has been a worry for many within the club. Despite a single Premiership defeat at the hands of West Ham United, the club languishes just above mid-table in the Premiership.

There are already rumblings of discontent over Ranieri's persistent chopping and changing of players and formations during a game.

But this is not something new for the Italian as it was one of the main criticisms levelled at him by ex-skipper Dennis Wise and Gustavo Poyet.

The three man second half substitution in the 1-1 draw against Derby County last Sunday may be seen to be a stroke of genius, but why did he not pick that team in the first place?

Ranieri does have an instinctive grasp of how matches are progressing and, as a result, is prone to make changes.

What he is having difficulties with is trying to select the right starting line-up.

He has been unlucky in some quarters in that he has had to contend with players who are injured and suspended. But that is the norm and should not be given as an excuse.

Unfortunately, time may not be on Ranieri's side, just ask Luca Vialli.

November 6, 2001 15:30