Paul Merson names who he prefers to play striker for Chelsea… Nicolas Jackson or Christopher Nkunku

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Paul Merson has weighed in with his opinion on the Chelsea debate regarding Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.

There’s some serious strength in depth within the Chelsea squad this season, especially in the attacking positions. A huge ongoing discussion inside the fanbase right now is over Chelsea’s No.9 spot.

Blues head coach Enzo Maresca has previously explained that Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are currently battling each other for one starting role as the central striker.

As it stands, Jackson has possession of the shirt in the Premier League, scoring four goals in five top-flight matches this season. Pat Nevin thinks Jackson could manage 20 league goals this campaign.

Meanwhile, Nkunku is still making a serious impact with six goals in eight games across all competitions this term.

• READ MORE: Three ways Enzo Maresca can fit Christopher Nkunku into his Chelsea XI

Paul Merson on Nicolas Jackson vs Christopher Nkunku debate

According to Paul Merson, Chelsea are correct to put their faith in Jackson over Nkunku right now as the starting striker in the Premier League.

Merson told Sportskeeda: “No disrespect to Christopher Nkunku, but his hat-trick in midweek came against Barrow and it’s expected of him to put these teams to the sword. I still prefer Nicolas Jackson, he’s not a bad player. Last year, he was young and he had to play every week since they had no one else. His finishing was good against West Ham, I back to him get even better with time.”

Could you play them together?

Maresca’s made it clear in the media he sees Jackson and Nkunku as competitors for the centre-forward role, but there could be option to put them in the same XI if he wants.

Jackson’s proving himself to be an out-and-out striker. Hopefully, the 23-year-old frontman can keep developing and improving in the years ahead.

Nkunku, 26, is capable of playing a variety of different attacking roles, though. He’s certainly got the skillset to drop into the deeper No.10 position, which would result in Cole Palmer shifting across to the wing.