The Crucial Chelsea Test: Pochettino's Tenuous Bond with Fans and Sterling's England Hopes

• Key takeaway one: Mauricio Pochettino faces a critical moment in his tenure as Chelsea's manager, with fan sentiment seemingly against him due to past affiliations and recent performances.
• Key takeaway two: Chelsea's upcoming match against Newcastle serves as a significant opportunity for Raheem Sterling to prove his worth, especially in the presence of England's manager, Gareth Southgate.
• Key takeaway three: Despite the high stakes, Raheem Sterling's current standing with the England national team suggests his inclusion in the upcoming friendlies remains unlikely.

As Chelsea gears up for another home game at Stamford Bridge, the spotlight isn't just on the team's performance on the field but also on the evolving dynamic between manager Mauricio Pochettino and the Chelsea faithful. The atmosphere is tense; a recent draw at Brentford has only intensified scrutiny on Pochettino, particularly given his past as Tottenham's manager. This history, coupled with less-than-stellar results, seems to have put Pochettino in a precarious position with fans, even if the boardroom's patience hasn't worn thin—yet.

Tonight's match against Newcastle, a team known for its inconsistency away from home, is more than just another fixture for Chelsea; it's a litmus test of Pochettino's standing with fans and perhaps even his future at the club. The spotlight also shines brightly on Raheem Sterling, who finds himself at a critical juncture in his career. With England manager Gareth Southgate watching from the stands, the game is an opportunity for Sterling to make a statement. However, his current ranking within the national team suggests that his chances of being named in the squad for the upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley are slim.

The scenario unfolding at Stamford Bridge is filled with narratives that go beyond the ninety minutes of play. It's about Pochettino's fight for acceptance and longevity at Chelsea, and Sterling's battle to climb back up the pecking order of the England national team. The outcomes of these personal battles could have lasting implications, not just for the individuals involved but for Chelsea as a collective moving forward.

(First reported by: Ian Ladyman, Mail Sport Football Editor and It's All Kicking Off podcast host)