criticise chairman Daniel Levy ahead of what he anticipates will be a summer exit, with Dutch manager Louis Van Gaal believed to be waiting in the wings.

But it was his tirade against the players, who he must get a reaction out of this evening, which was most telling.

And after a number of below-par performances at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Sherwood may be about to wield the axe on several first-teamers.

Here are the five most at risk under Sherwood's austere tutelage...

1) Gylfi Sigurdsson

The Icelandic midfielder was recalled on the left flank ahead of Paulinho and Nacer Chadli as Sherwood sought a creative spark in the absence of Christian Eriksen.

Unfortunately it was not forthcoming, with Sigurdsson a casualty of a bizarre formation and selection from the manager.

2) Aaron Lennon

The wingercontinues to flatter to deceive in a Spurs shirt, having produced just one goal and one assist this season and his performance at the weekend epitomised his travails.

Deployed in a central attacking role just off of Emmanuel Adebayor, it was always likely to be a difficult evening for the speedy wideman, and it proved as much.

3) Nacer Chadli

The summer signing was significantly left on the bench at the weekend, despite the paucity of wide options on offer to Sherwood.

It spoke volumes that Sigurdsson was selected despite having been largely exiled in recent times, with Chadli clearly failing to impress the outspoken interim manager despite a stunning strike in the 4-0 win at Newcastle just last month.

4) Etienne Capoue

The Frenchman is currently sidelined, but you get the impression his