Chelsea FC: What Is Left To Play For After an FA Cup Elimination?

Chelsea was eliminated from the FA Cup earlier today after a penalty shootout loss to Everton at Stamford Bridge.

After Frank Lampard's volley put the home side up 1-0 in the first half of overtime, it looked almost certain that Chelsea would definitely be moving on to the next round. With about one minute left in the match, Leighton Baines curled a great free kick into the right corner of Petr Cech's net to make it 1-1.

Chelsea would go on to lose 4-3 in the penalty shootout after Tim Howard and Petr Cech both had a save. Ashley Cole was the last to step up for Chelsea as he floated a shot over the net. Phil Neville would step up for Everton and put them through to the next round with a powerful shot that beat Cech.

Chelsea is now out of the FA Cup, and they were eliminated from the Carling Cup. They are currently sitting in fifth place in the EPL, 12 points back of first place Manchester United.

If there is anything that could have gone right for Chelsea, it was that they will face FC Copenhagen mid-week for the UEFA Champions League. Out of all the teams Chelsea could have been set to play against, this draw clearly worked in Chelsea's favor.

Or will Chelsea's inconsistency continue to get the best of them? Copenhagen has proven to not be a push over team as some may think they are.

Although 12 points out of first place, Chelsea still have to play Manchester United two times this season, as they haven’t played each other this campaign. A team with so much offensive fire power and such a defensive minded coach, how could it possibly work?

It would appear that all Chelsea has left to play for is the Champions League, but do they have a strong enough squad to challenge for the title?

If Chelsea is able to defeat Manchester United in the two games they meet and cut the deficit to six points, could they still make a push?

There have already been many rumors about Carlo Ancelotti being on his way out of Stamford Bridge at the end of the season. Could Chelsea not winning silverware confirm this rumor?

After enjoying success with Jose Mourinho at the helm, could The Blues now be heading back down to reality?