Chelsea boss Antonio Conte considers Olivier Giroud start against Manchester United but Tiemoue Bakayoko out

Vaishali Bhardwaj23 February 2018

Olivier Giroud is in contention to start for Chelsea against Manchester United as Antonio Conte mulls over his options in attack after Eden Hazard's 'false nine' run out.

The Blues impressed in a striker-less formation against Barcelona in the Champions League, drawing 2-2, but remain winless in game in which Hazard has been the focal point of Conte's attack.

Conte has been impressed by how quick Giroud has settled into life at the club, scoring one goal and assisting three more in three outings since his Deadline Day arrival from Arsenal.

Though Alvaro Morata is fit, and came on against Barcelona, but Giroud could start on Sunday, with Conte telling reporters at Cobham: "I think Olivier is working very well with us, and I'm pleased.

"It seems as if he's been with us for a long time, and not for just two weeks. For the game [on Sunday] he's in contention.

"We'll see what my final decision will be for the starting XI."

Chelsea remain without midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko, who was seen training by himself at Cobham on Friday, while David Luiz and Ross Barkley are still out injured.

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