![](\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1686540311-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Chelsea still lack a \u2018clear philosophy\u2019 unlike many of their rivals but Mauricio Pochettino should be given more time.<\/p>\n
Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
That is the opinion of Arsenal legend Paul Merson, who has nonetheless shared a positive prediction for the Blues\u2019s clash at local rivals Fulham.<\/p>\n
Chelsea travel to Craven Cottage on Monday night having won just one of their opening six Premier League games under Pochettino, which has left the side 14th in the table.<\/p>\n
Though performances have been good on the whole, the team just can\u2019t seem to put the ball in the back of the net, with just five goals in those six games \u2013 three of which came in the home victory against Luton Town.<\/p>\n
Adding to their woes is the large amount of injuries, with nine players currently on the sidelines, not to mention Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gutso who will miss the Fulham match through suspension.<\/p>\n
Jackson scored the winner as Chelsea beat Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, a \u2018good result\u2019 that \u2018they really needed\u2019 according to Merson.<\/p>\n
The former midfielder wrote for Sportskeeda: \u2018However, they have a bit of an issue against Fulham as Nicolas Jackson is suspended. I think Armando Broja will be given an opportunity to lead the line and I hope he takes his chance as he was doing well before getting injured.<\/p>\n
![](\"https:\/\/metro.co.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/metro-parent\/img\/fallback.png\")
<\/p>\n
\u2018The Blues have opened up teams but haven\u2019t been scoring freely. On some level, watching Chelsea reminds me of Manchester United because they don\u2019t have a fixed pattern of play or a clear philosophy like Arsenal, Manchester City, or even Liverpool.<\/p>\n
\u2018I wouldn\u2019t be shocked if Chelsea dropped points because it\u2019s been that kind of a season for them, but they\u2019re my team and my heart says they\u2019ll win 1-0.<\/p>\n
\u2018Mauricio Pochettino still hasn\u2019t found his best team and I feel bad for him as they\u2019ve just gone out and bought player after player with no real plan. They also have a handful of injury issues to deal with, so I think we have to wait before passing judgment on Pochettino\u2019s time at the club.\u2019<\/p>\n
Fulham are struggling to find the back of the net as well, having scored just five times as well \u2013 only Burnley and Luton have fewer goals \u2013 with the Cottagers currently 11th in the table and three points ahead of the Blues.<\/p>\n