Merson 'feels bad' for Pochettino & makes Chelsea vs Fulham prediction

Chelsea still lack a ‘clear philosophy’ unlike many of their rivals but Mauricio Pochettino should be given more time.

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That is the opinion of Arsenal legend Paul Merson, who has nonetheless shared a positive prediction for the Blues’s clash at local rivals Fulham.

Chelsea travel to Craven Cottage on Monday night having won just one of their opening six Premier League games under Pochettino, which has left the side 14th in the table.

Though performances have been good on the whole, the team just can’t seem to put the ball in the back of the net, with just five goals in those six games – three of which came in the home victory against Luton Town.

Adding to their woes is the large amount of injuries, with nine players currently on the sidelines, not to mention Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gutso who will miss the Fulham match through suspension.

Jackson scored the winner as Chelsea beat Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, a ‘good result’ that ‘they really needed’ according to Merson.

The former midfielder wrote for Sportskeeda: ‘However, they have a bit of an issue against Fulham as Nicolas Jackson is suspended. I think Armando Broja will be given an opportunity to lead the line and I hope he takes his chance as he was doing well before getting injured.

‘The Blues have opened up teams but haven’t been scoring freely. On some level, watching Chelsea reminds me of Manchester United because they don’t have a fixed pattern of play or a clear philosophy like Arsenal, Manchester City, or even Liverpool.

‘I wouldn’t be shocked if Chelsea dropped points because it’s been that kind of a season for them, but they’re my team and my heart says they’ll win 1-0.

‘Mauricio Pochettino still hasn’t found his best team and I feel bad for him as they’ve just gone out and bought player after player with no real plan. They also have a handful of injury issues to deal with, so I think we have to wait before passing judgment on Pochettino’s time at the club.’

Fulham are struggling to find the back of the net as well, having scored just five times as well – only Burnley and Luton have fewer goals – with the Cottagers currently 11th in the table and three points ahead of the Blues.

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