**Premier League icon Alan Shearer says Chelsea head coach Liam Rosenior has to improve his team defensively if they are to finish in the Champions League places.**
Speaking ahead of the Blues’ clash [**against Arsenal**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-predicted-lineup-vs-arsenal-3/), Shearer said that Rosenior needs to find a stable back four that he can rely upon:
“I’m still really not convinced by Chelsea at the back. Defensively, Rosenior keeps picking different personnel and they haven’t been great defensively, which has to change if they’re going to get into the top four.”
Rosenior will be forced into shaking up his backline at the Emirates following Wesley Fofana’s red card against Burnley.
Chelsea’s defensive numbers since Rosenior’s appointment
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The London club have won 8, drawn 2 and lost 2 since the current manager’s arrival at Stamford Bridge, but they have conceded more goals than they would have liked.
They have let in 13 in 12 matches across all competitions, which is more than one a game, and it is undoubtedly an area that needs some improvement.
Defensive failings have already cost them points in recent weeks with the two home draws against Leeds and Burnley.
Who should Rosenior pick in his back four?
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If Marc Cucurella is fit, most supporters would agree he is the standout option on the left-hand side of defence ahead of both Jorrel Hato and Malo Gusto.
On the opposite flank, captain Reece James will surely be picked instead of Gusto, as long as the 26-year-old is 100% fit and match sharp.
The main dilemma lies in the middle. While Trevoh Chalobah has been the most consistent, he is by no means perfect, while the other senior options – Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile – are all prone to mistakes.
Some believe that either Mamadou Sarr or Josh Acheampong should be given a run in the side, with Chalobah partnering either one of them. We shall have to wait and see who starts against Arsenal.
[**Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://chelseanews.com/blog/chelsea-first-team-squad/)