Mauricio Pochettino set to give 22-year-old Chelsea star his first start in a month against Brentford
Nicolas Jackson should definitely be in the conversation for a Chelsea start this weekend against Brentford.
We’re not sure it’ll be a popular opinion with a lot of supporters, but we’d like to see Nicolas Jackson recalled to the starting line-up this Saturday at home to Brentford.
He’s not started a Chelsea game since playing Brighton in the Carabao Cup on 27 September.
We want him to get his first start in a month this Saturday, though.
There was so much to love about the way Mauricio Pochettino set Chelsea up in last weekend’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal. In particular, he used Conor Gallagher and Cole Palmer as two roaming No 10s, who caused the Gunners a lot of problems with their high pressing and movement.
However, we would recommend the Blues returning to a more recognised 4-2-3-1 shape against Brentford for Saturday’s 12:30pm kick-off at Stamford Bridge. This would mean moving back towards a traditional No 9.
The system last week worked effectively against one of the league’s best in Arsenal, but we want to see the team starting a proper striker nine times out of 10.
Jackson’s delivered a modest return of three goals in 10 appearances this season since his arrival at Chelsea. If you’ve watched the Blues this season, you’ll know that number could easily be trebled.
He’s got a great knack as an attacker of getting into goalscoring positions, so it’s all about the end product and final decision.
The Senegal international should feel fit and fired up to play against Brentford, so we’d love Chelsea boss Pochettino to unleash him in the XI.
It’s important to note it sounds like he’s still got the backing of his teammates. For example, Raheem Sterling has hailed Jackson as “energetic” (BBC’s Match of the Day). Meanwhile, Levi Colwill previously called Jackson a “great striker” (Chelsea’s official website).
Let’s give Jackson more than 10 games before we completely write off his Chelsea career. There’s definitely a lot he can bring to this side, starting with against Brentford.