Paul Merson has identified David Luiz and Marcos Alonso as the Chelsea weak links ahead of their double header this week against Liverpool and claims he would be “shocked” if the Blues win at the weekend.
The Sky Sports pundit told the Debate programme on Monday night that centre-back Luiz and roving left-back Alonso are vulnerable against the league leaders.
Chelsea travel to Anfield on Wednesday for a League Cup third-round tie before hosting Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday.
Blues boss Maurizio Sarri conceded it could take his side a year to match the level of Liverpool and Merson does not dispute that assessment.
“I can understand what he’s saying about them being a year away,” he told the Debate. “When you look at the defence you have David Luiz in a back four you know he’s going to make a mistake sooner or later.
“And then there’s Alonso at left-back and he plays like a left-back number 10 if I’m being honest. He just goes and does what he wants to do – when you see the highlights and there’s a simple ball out to the right he’s 25 yards further up the pitch.
“That can’t happen and when they play against a top team, like they did against Arsenal, who could have scored six or seven. When they go and play against Man City and Liverpool, I’d be shocked if they got anything out of those games.”
OPINION
Chelsea supporters will point out their team has conceded just four goals from six matches in the league this season, with Alonso and Luiz in the back four on each of those occasions. However, Sarri has had a relatively gentle introduction to Premier League life, with a fixture list that has enabled him to get his feet under the table. Chelsea have played against the four bottom clubs – Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, Newcastle United and West Ham – as well as eight-placed Bournemouth and sixth-placed Arsenal. The clash against Liverpool at the weekend will be the biggest test yet for Luiz and Alonso, who will be pitting the wits against a team who create lorry-loads of chances and have a front three in Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane with the pace and wit to cause mayhem. If Alonso is caught up the field, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah on the right could destroy the hosts. As for Luiz, he has been impressively steady this season, but there is always the sense he will come unstuck against the very best.