Former Arsenal and Aston Villa midfielder Paul Merson says Maurizio Sarri had been a very lucky manager after a fortunate 2-1 win against Cardiff last weekend.

The TV pundit has questioned the Italian’s team selection and feels the Blues boss is living on borrowed time. He does, however, believe that Chelsea will get the three points against Brighton this evening:

“At Chelsea, I’m not sure about the manager. He’s lucky to be in charge. Neil Warnock can say Cardiff were unlucky, well Maurizio Sarri and Chelsea were lucky.”

“With the team he picked he’d have done well to keep his job had they lost at Cardiff. Then there were the substitutions and the fact Callum Hudson-Odoi didn’t get on. He was very fortunate in the end.”

“Despite all the negativity, they should still have enough to beat Brighton at Stamford Bridge.”

Merson has gone for a 2-0 win for the home side, which seems about right. Chris Hughton’s team suffered a poor home defeat against Southampton at the weekend and are struggling to create chances.

The Seagulls may be difficult to break down but Chelsea should have enough quality about them to claim the win.

Sarri has stated that Callum Hudson-Odoi will likely start either tonight or against West Ham on Monday so the inclusion of the 18-year-old, after his omission against Cardiff, should give them extra firepower.

Anything other than a victory this evening, though, will put huge pressure on Sarri with the fans having already made their feelings known on Sunday.