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Chelsea team news: Huge selection claim made ahead of Barcelona second-leg clash
CHELSEA striker Olivier Giroud MUST start if the Blues have any chance of beating Barcelona tonight.
Chelsea v Barcelona Champions League match preview
That is the opinion of Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas.
Both Giroud and Alvaro Morata started on the bench for the Champions League last-16 first-leg clash at Stamford Bridge three weeks ago.
Eden Hazard started as the lone striker but Nicholas says that is not the way to go in the second leg tonight.
With the aggregate score level at 1-1, Chelsea know they need to score at least once at the Nou Camp.
Chelsea take on Barcelona in the Champions League last-16 tonight
It’s easy for us standing here than it is for Antonio Conte, he may see it differently. But I think he’s a must-starter
Nicholas says Olivier Giroud has the potential to help get the best out of Hazard and Willian if they played either side of him.
“This is what he will give you, he can buy you time and in the old trade it was the ‘out ball’,” Nicholas said.
“He can give you that out ball and he’s strong enough to link it in.
“Now he’s not got the pace to get in here and here but Hazard and Willian have.
Fans share their Barcelona vs Chelsea predictions
Charlie Nicholas says Olivier Giroud must start for Chelsea against Barcelona
“Take it in, chest controls, little flick ons when he knows they’re close enough.
“That’s where I think it makes it quite an easy call for me.
“It’s easy for us standing here than it is for (Antonio) Conte, he may see it differently.
“But I think he’s a must-starter.”
Barcelona star Andres Iniesta iwas named in the starting XI despite being a doubt for the match through injury.
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