Roman Abramovich will be forced to sack Jose Mourinho if Chelsea lose to Sunderland this weekend.

According to a report in the Daily Express, the Portuguese tactician will have his second spell in charge of the Blues ended if the reigning Premier League champions fail at home to Sam Allardyce's Black Cats on Saturday.

Chelsea currently sit 16th on the league table having lost nine times already in their title defence and a third-straight defeat is likely to make Mourinho's position at Stamford Bridge almost completely untenable.

There are plenty of reports circling regarding possible replacements for the under-fire Mourinho with the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Guus Hiddink being linked with West London returns if the 'Special One' soon meets his demise.