Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has named his preferred front four that Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca should select this season.
Merson is a former Arsenal player but he grew up a Chelsea supporter and, when asked on X who he would deploy in the Blues’ forward line, he replied:
Felix behind Jackson, will create a lot of chances for Jackson which is what we need. Palmer and Nkunku either side ⚽️👏🏼🔵🔵
— Paul Merson (@PaulMerse) August 21, 2024
One notable absentee is Pedro Neto, who Chelsea paid Wolves £54m for earlier this month.
Maresca does have plenty of selection dilemmas
The manager can’t complain about a lack of options in attack. Merson doesn’t even mention Mykhailo Mudryk or Noni Madueke who will also be competing for places up front.
In terms of the front four that Merson has picked, you could argue that there is no natural width, with Felix, Nkunku and (to some extent) Palmer all preferring to play in central areas.
With that in mind, you do feel that Neto will be a nailed-on starter for Maresca, especially with his speed and creativity.
Chelsea have a lot of work to do before the transfer window closes
It should be pointed out that Maresca has even more forward options but most of them are currently training away from the first-team squad as they are up for sale or available for loan.
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Armando Broja, Romelu Lukaku, David Datro Fofana, Angelo Gabriel, Deivid Washington, Tino Anjorin, Harvey Vale and Alex Matos are set to depart Stamford Bridge, either on a permanent or temporary basis over the next week or so.
We shall have to wait and see whether suitors can be found for all of them, in addition to the likes of Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell and Kepa Arrizabalaga who are also on the transfer list.
