Just before the season started, we looked at the 15 potentially most important players for Chelsea in 2016-17.
With the season entering its final stretch, some have fallen by the wayside while others have grown in importance. Here's Antonio Conte's revised list of crucial performers.
This list is not extensive and has been ranked according to varying factors. Some players still with a part to play, like Kurt Zouma, have been omitted. And there are some notable flops missing too -- more on them later.
Performance, potential, the ability to make an impact and influence the course of a game, other options in that area of the field, the ability or inability to replace them and market value have all played a part in revising the 15.
1. N'Golo Kante (+1)
Branded "the best central midfielder in the world right now" by Frank Lampard, Kante's spectacular athleticism and brilliant positioning are the reasons why the midfield four in Chelsea's 3-4-3 so often feels like a five. There is no one quite like him, at Stamford Bridge or anywhere else.
2. David Luiz (new entry)
Making a surprise return to Chelsea in late August, the Brazilian has well and truly shed his clownish reputation to emerge as arguably the Premier League's best defender this season, bringing poise, physicality and a remarkable passing range to the heart of Chelsea's back three.
3. Diego Costa (no change)
These might prove his final months at Stamford Bridge, but Costa remains as integral to Chelsea's fortunes as ever. Conte does not trust Michy Batshuayi, the only senior alternative No.9, and no one else in the squad can match his rare ability to occupy an entire defence, creating space for Eden Hazard, Pedro Rodriguez and Willian to thrive.
4. Cesar Azpilicueta (+3)
The Spaniard's biggest value lies in his ability to defend solidly and consistently anywhere across Conte's backline -- and if any defensive injuries befall Chelsea down the stretch, don't be surprised if he fills the gaps. He has also eased Victor Moses' transition to wing-back, guiding him through what is required.
5. Eden Hazard (-4)
Back to his PFA Player of the Year best, Hazard falls on this list only because Chelsea's defensive strength has been so key to their success. His peerless dribbling ability and close control make him a crucial weapon against deep opponents, while his pace ensures he is just as dangerous in transition.
6. Gary Cahill (+7)
The England international has emerged as a leader since taking over the role of captaining Chelsea on the pitch from John Terry. A goal threat from set-pieces, he has adapted well to defending in a back three, and the cover he provides for Marcos Alonso is crucial for the success of Conte's system.
7. Thibaut Courtois (+2)
Chelsea concede an average of just 8.2 shots per Premier League game this season, but being an elite goalkeeper is about quality rather than quantity of saves. Courtois steps up on the rare occasions when his team look vulnerable, and there will be more moments like that in the final 10 matches.
8. Marcos Alonso (new entry)
Another late-August signing, Alonso's importance to this Chelsea team lies in the fact that, despite the presence of Nathan Ake and Kenedy, Conte has no other left-footer who offers the same blend of skills. Alonso is an excellent crosser with superb stamina who provides vital attacking width, even if his defensive game still needs work. He has also scored four goals this season.
9. Pedro Rodriguez (new entry)
Chelsea's top scorer in 2017 with seven goals, Pedro is now showing the lethal touch and brilliance at attacking that brought him to prominence at Barcelona. His instinct to run behind defences dovetails well with Costa's hold-up play and Hazard's dribbling, while he offers a far greater goal threat than Willian.
10. Cesc Fabregas (-2)
Whether starting alongside Kante or coming off the bench, Fabregas has managed to remain one of Chelsea's most impactful attacking players this season. A special playmaker blessed with both the mindset to dictate a game and the eye for a killer pass, he will be just as crucial down the stretch.
11. Nemanja Matic (no change)
The Serb has rebuilt his confidence under Conte after a torrid 2015-16 season and looks back to his imposing best alongside Kante, often sitting deep while his partner roams with a remit to seek and destroy. Matic is no match for Fabregas in a technical or creative sense, but he works well against more physical opponents.
12. Victor Moses (new entry)
His career revival as a rampaging wing-back has been one of the best stories of the season. Moses can beat most opposing full-backs left isolated against him, even if his crossing remains wildly inconsistent. Azpilicueta's influence has also helped him develop into a pretty reliable defender too.
13. Willian (-9)
Chelsea's Player of the Year last season has been more peripheral this time around, largely due to Pedro's scoring explosion. He can, however, offer some qualities that the Spaniard can't -- namely an ability to carry the ball upfield at a blistering pace that marks him out as the best transition player Conte has.
14. Nathaniel Chalobah (new entry)
Academy prospects have found it difficult to earn consistent minutes under Conte this season, but Chalobah has fared best. The Italian now regards the 22-year-old as a trusted "closer" -- someone he can safely bring off the bench when switching to a 3-5-2 formation to protect a lead.
15. John Terry (-9)
Rarely a captain in the traditional sense these days, Terry remains the leader in the dressing room. His vast experience and Premier League title pedigree are a huge help to Conte in maintaining concentration and intensity in this Chelsea team, even if his contributions are no longer required on the pitch.
Batshuayi is missing from the list. The £33 million summer signing always had a difficult brief competing for Premier League minutes with Costa, but he does not look ready to lead a team with title aspirations. Conte rarely even trusts him with significant time from the bench.
A loan move would have been ideal in January and is a must this summer, assuming that Chelsea will bolster their attacking options.
Do you agree? Have your say in the comments below.