“I would play” – Paul Merson tells Maresca to drop surprise player for West Ham clash | OneFootball

Paul Merson has told Enzo Maresca to drop Joao Pedro for Chelsea’s game against West Ham at the London Stadium on Friday night.

The Blues kicked off their Premier League campaign with a disappointing goalless draw against Crystal Palace, and will be looking to get their first win of the season against the Hammers.

Chelsea won the corresponding fixture 3-0 last season, and a repeat of that against former boss Graham Potter would be most welcome.

Merson tells Maresca to drop Joao Pedro

All three of Chelsea’s new attacking signings featured against Palace, but the Blues were unable to find a breakthrough.

It’s likely they will once again all feature against West Ham, which means either Pedro or Liam Delap leading the line.

Pedro has made a brilliant impact since joining Chelsea. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Pedro fired a blank against Palace, but he’s been in brilliant form since joining the Blues from Brighton in a deal worth up to £60m.

Cole Palmer has been very impressed by Pedro, but Merson has told Maresca to drop him for the London derby and go with Delap.

“I would play Liam Delap in this game,” he told Sportskeeda as quoted on X.com.

“West Ham are quite physical at the back and that might not suit Joao Pedro.

“Delap is good with his back to goal and can hold the ball up well. Away from home, he’s a better fit than Pedro in my opinion.”

Estevao could get his first start

Another player fans would love to see come into the team is Brazilian sensation Estevao, who impressed off the bench against Palace last weekend.

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Maresca has hinted Estevao is ready to start, but it remains to be seen if he will throw the teenager in from the off away from home.

Either way Estevao will almost certainly feature, and he’s exactly the kind of player who can impact the game and effect the outcome of the result.