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Chelsea news: Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson explains what Blues must do vs Newcastle
CHELSEA must score in the first quarter of the game against Newcastle if they are to avoid dropping points again.
That is the opinion of Arsenal legend Paul Merson.
After a promising start under Maurizio Sarri the Blues have stuttered in recent weeks, dropping eight points in their last six games.
More worryingly, performances have become stale under a manager renowned for his teams’ slick passing style.
Up front is where most of the problems lie, with Alvaro Morata drawing blank too often and Olivier Giroud’s diminishing mobility proving an issue.
Chelsea need to score early in the first quarter of the game to avoid a difficult afternoon
The lack of fluidity in attacking moves has been plain to see and Chelsea are believed to be in the market for a new striker, with Eden Hazard currently leading the line as a false nine.
Sarri’s men have not scored three goals in a league game since November 4, and face a generally well-organised Newcastle side this weekend.
Under the tutelage of former interim Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez, Newcastle are two points clear from the relegation zone but haven’t won their last four league games.
Nevertheless, the Magpies pose a threat which Chelsea will not want to discover, Merson believes.
“Chelsea need to score early in the first quarter of the game to avoid a difficult afternoon,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“I think they will, but I wouldn't be surprised if this ended goalless.
“I’ve watched Chelsea enough times this season and they are not ripping teams apart like they did at the start of the season - at times they don't really look like scoring a goal.”
Predicting a 1-0 win for Chelsea on Saturday night, the pundit then called on other Newcastle players to step up and shoulder goalscoring responsibility.
“Newcastle are right in the relegation mix,” he asserted.
“They rely on Salomon Rondon too much and they are struggling.”