Jamie Redknapp names Chelsea FC star who must start at FC Barcelona
The former Liverpool FC captain believes Antonio Conte should start Olivier Giroud in Chelsea FC's clash against Barcelona on Wednesday night
Jamie Redknapp believes Antonio Conte should start Olivier Giroud in Chelsea FC’s clash at Barcelona in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 clash on Wednesday night.
The defending Premier League champions signed the France international in a £21m deal from their north London rivals Arsenal on transfer deadline day at the end of January.
Giroud has made five appearances in the Premier League this term but his still waiting to open his top-flight account for the west London side.
The 31-year-old opened his Blues account with a goal in a 4-0 win over Championship side Hull City in the FA Cup fifth round last month.
Chelsea FC drew 1-1 with La Liga leaders Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash back in February.
Summer signing Alvaro Morata has struggled to adapt to the rigours of the Premier League despite netting nine times his opening eight games for the Blues.
Former Liverpool FC captain Redknapp believes Giroud warrants a place in the Chelsea FC team for their clash against Spanish giants Barcelona on Wednesday night.
“I did not hold back in my criticism of Chelsea last week after their lack of a performance at Manchester City,” Redknapp told the Daily Mail.
“They responded with a victory over Crystal Palace, in which Olivier Giroud showed why he should start in the Champions League second leg against Barcelona on Wednesday.
“Chelsea must score at the Nou Camp if they are to reach the quarter-finals and Giroud is their most likely source of goals.
“Barca’s defenders will not look forward to dealing with his aerial prowess at set pieces, while having a focal point will give Chelsea an out-ball when they are under pressure.
“Playing without a striker may have worked against Barca in the first leg at Stamford Bridge but Antonio Conte would be on a hiding to nothing should he do so again this week.”
Chelsea FC are looking to win the Champions League for the first time since 2012 when the Blues beat Bayern Munich on penalties.
