Despite Chelsea’s current position in the Premier League table, Paul Merson believes Graham Potter’s side can catch top-four rival Newcastle United..
Under Potter, the Blues have slipped to 10th in the Premier League, 10 points outside the Champions League places and 21 points behind leaders Arsenal.
Chelsea had a poor run prior to the World Cup, and their struggles continued after Qatar, as they won only one of their next five games.
But Potter’s team won again two weeks ago against London rivals Crystal Palace and earned a point against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday.
Merson is seeing some encouraging signs from the Blues and believes they can still finish in the top four..
‘I’m not concerned about Chelsea. ‘I believe they’ll be fine,’ said the former Arsenal and England winger to Sky Sports.
‘Looking at Graham Potter’s career at Brighton, I thought they were one of the best teams in the league from box to box.
When he left, they began scoring goals, which may cause you some concern. But I believe he needs time and a preseason to get his players in and playing the way he wants them to.
‘I believe Chelsea will go on a bit of a run. He has to begin somewhere. It’s been a nightmare situation, but they’ve brought in a lot of young players, so the future looks promising..
I don’t think it’s fair to bring someone in to a club like that without giving him a pre-season. If he’s still where he’s at this time next season, there’s cause for concern.
‘They’re 10 points behind Newcastle, who I believe they’ll have to chase down. I believe Manchester City, Manchester United, and Arsenal will finish in the top four..
It’s seven points if you beat Newcastle at home. If they can get on a run, they have a chance. There are still a lot of games to be played – people forget we had a World Cup. We’re only halfway through..
Todd Boehly, the new owner of Chelsea, spent more than £250 million on new signings last summer and has been busy again in the January transfer window.
Merson is already a huge fan of two of the six new players who have arrived at Stamford Bridge this month.
‘Mykhailo Mudryk appears to be an excellent buy,’ Merson added. ‘Against Liverpool, he looked very lively and pacey.
On Saturday, Jurgen Klopp quickly removed James Milner from the game. Joao Felix is returning, so you’ll have him and Kai Havertz with Mudryk. It appears to be lively.
‘They look solid at the back as well, with two clean sheets in a row. Benoit Badiashile has looked fantastic – and he’s playing with one of the greatest players of all time..
He’s still one of the best at 38 years old. Even his headers are all knocked down to people. I can’t say enough good things about him. If we consider Virgil van Dijk to be a Rolls Royce, Silva is a vintage Rolls Royce.’
Chelsea will have the weekend off after being eliminated from the FA Cup, but will return to action next Friday against west London rivals Fulham..
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