Merson Recommends Maresca to Bench Chelsea’s £52m Summer Acquisition

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        <figcaption>Paul Merson previews Chelsea vs Sunderland (Picture: Sky Sports)</figcaption>
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    <p><a target="_blank" data-ico="hyperlink-article" data-track="inline-tag-auto-link_article" href="https://metro.co.uk/tag/paul-merson/">Paul Merson</a> has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Premier League match between <a target="_blank" data-ico="hyperlink-article" data-track="inline-tag-auto-link_article" href="https://metro.co.uk/tag/chelsea-fc/">Chelsea</a> and Sunderland, advising <a target="_blank" data-ico="hyperlink-article" data-track="inline-tag-auto-link_article" href="https://metro.co.uk/tag/enzo-maresca/">Enzo Maresca</a> to bench <a target="_blank" data-ico="hyperlink-article" data-track="inline-tag-auto-link_article" href="https://metro.co.uk/tag/jamie-gittens/">Jamie Gittens</a>.</p>

    <p>Merson noted that Gittens had an impressive performance in Chelsea’s recent <a target="_blank" data-ico="hyperlink-article" href="https://metro.co.uk/2025/10/22/chelsea-5-1-ajax-player-ratings-jamie-gittens-shines-tosin-adarabioyo-poor-24498502/">5-1 victory over Ajax</a>, but believes that Pedro Neto should replace him in the lineup against Sunderland.</p>

    <p>Chelsea aims to secure their fifth consecutive win as they host Regis Le Bris’ strong Sunderland side at Stamford Bridge.</p>

    <p>Although Maresca’s squad faced three losses in ten days last month, they have bounced back with victories against Benfica, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Ajax.</p>

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    <p>Despite Chelsea’s strong run, Merson expresses caution about facing Sunderland, noting the newly-promoted team is challenging to beat.</p>

    <p>However, he anticipates Chelsea will claim their fifth league win of the season, potentially handing Sunderland only their third defeat in nine league matches since their promotion.</p>

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        <figcaption>Jamie Gittens shone in Chelsea’s 5-1 victory over Ajax (Picture: Getty)</figcaption>
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