Cahill: Chelsea must deliver Conference League victory

Gary Cahill expects Chelsea to deliver a trophy this season, with the Conference League in their sights.

Chelsea lead Legia Warszawa 3-0 heading into the second leg of their quarter-final tie, which takes place at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

Noni Madueke netted twice and Tyrique George grabbed his first senior goal in a comfortable victory in Poland last week.

Fiorentina and Real Betis are the only other teams from Europe's big five leagues remaining in the competition, and former Blues defender Cahill suggests Chelsea should not accept anything but victory in the tournament.

Asked by Stats Perform if he would be disappointed not to see Chelsea win the trophy, Cahill said: "Yes, if I'm being honest.

"I think it's clear that Chelsea are the strongest team in that competition. We don't want to disrespect or disregard any other team. When you get to the last stages in these sorts of competitions, the best teams are left in the hat.

"In terms of the quality and the depth that Chelsea have, the squad that they have, there'd be an expectation for them to go on and win this competition.

"I've played for Chelsea for many years and that is the pressure. The pressures are to deliver and to win trophies and that's what they'll have on their shoulders now.

"So, I also think it'd be great for Chelsea in terms of there's been a real transition in the squad. Very young players, the average age is super young.

"For their progression moving forward, I think picking up a trophy, especially this European trophy, will stand them in good stead for the future."

Chelsea followed up their win over Legia with a 2-2 draw against Premier League strugglers Ipswich Town on Sunday.

That draw left them in sixth. They are, however, only three points behind third-place Nottingham Forest in what is shaping up to be an enthralling race for the Champions League places.

At one stage earlier this season, though, the Blues were mooted as potential title contenders.

However, Opta's supercomputer now predicts them to finish seventh, with their chances of doing so coming in at 31.3%.

Enzo Maresca's style of play has not always been taken to by the Chelsea faithful across his first season in charge, but Cahill sees plenty of positives.

"I like him. He's very hands-on. I was away with Chelsea pre-season, I saw him working personally on the training ground," said Cahill, who counts two Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph among his honours across his time with the Blues.

"He's got a clear way that he wants to play and he's still trying to develop this young Chelsea squad.  

"I think the next phase for this Chelsea squad is just the consistency levels. They're trying to be consistent and then just dipped off. That's sometimes what you get from a young squad and it's just for them to churn it out week in, week out."

Opta's model hands Chelsea a 29% chance of finishing in the top five, which would be enough to secure a return to the Champions League.

Cahill added: "They've got a huge end to the season.

"We'll see from the end of the season if that has been progression, but again, it's all in their hands. They could qualify for the Champions League and win a trophy, which would be a great season."