Sky Sports and Gillette Soccer Saturday pundit Paul Merson believes this weekend’s clash with Everton is a must-win for Chelsea.
Merson, writing his ‘Merson’s predictions’ column for this weekend’s set of Premier League fixtures, predicted a narrow 2-1 victory for Chelsea, as the Blues “have got to win.”
He wrote:
This is a game Chelsea cannot afford to lose. It will be a very hard game considering they’re already eight points behind [Manchester] City.
Mourinho’s men have only accumulated four points from their opening four league fixtures, losing to title rivals City along the way.
And Merson believes the Blues have been dealt a “dodgy hand,” with the game against Everton being the early kick-off on Saturday afternoon.
The early kick-off after the international break means Jose Mourinho doesn’t have long to work with his players and I feel they have been dealt a dodgy hand here in a game they have to win.
The ‘Magic Man’ also said the number of Blues players who featured for their international teams during the break could play a part.
Romelu Lukaku, Phil Jagielka and John Stones did not feature heavily for their countries during the break, whereas Chelsea have players who played a lot more.
That could work in Everton’s favour. Saying that, Chelsea have got to win so I have to go with them.
I couldn’t agree more with the former Aston Villa man. This is a must win game for Chelsea after a very shaky start, and usually the team who wants the win more; wins.
And whilst Goodison Park can be a tough place to visit, teams playing at home in the Premier League have struggled this season, and Chelsea romped to a 6-3 victory there last time out.
However, this weekend could be a much tighter affair.
I can’t see Chelsea’s defensive vulnerability carrying on for much longer, should Mourinho implement the changes that we have predicted in our own starting XI against Everton, here at Read Chelsea.
Furthermore, Eden Hazard opened his account for the season with two goals in two games for Belgium during the international break, which will, hopefully, spark him into life for Chelsea this season.
And with Pedro in fine form, Hazard starting to wave his magic wand and Diego Costa hungry for goals, I’m predicting a 3-1 victory for Chelsea this weekend.
