Chelsea: Four things to look for as Blues go to Selhurst Park

2. Can Tammy Abraham show signs of life?

Financial equities around the world have taken some serious hits over the course of the pandemic, but the fall of Tammy Abraham’s stock has been as alarming as anything on Wall Street. After turning in an absolute no-show against West Ham, Abraham was replaced in the starting XI by Olivier Giroud for the Watford match. Giroud scored, and offered plenty in defending set pieces and holding up play for the likes of Christian Pulisic and Willian. Abraham was given a run-out when he replaced Giroud for the final 15 minutes and, although the game was pretty much dead by then, certainly didn’t do anything to suggest he deserved another start in the near future.

Trying to diagnose Abraham’s poor form is just about impossible. At this point in the season, it doesn’t really matter either. All that matters is that Chelsea has a striker who is scoring goals and making his presence felt all over the pitch. Lampard has shown that he’ll stick with whoever is offering the most at a given moment, and that has unquestionably been Giroud since the restart.

That’s not to say that Abraham’s season is done and dusted though. The matches are still coming thick and fast, and Giroud isn’t exactly a spring chicken. Even if he’s relegated to a super-sub role, Abraham will see some important minutes these final few weeks. If he can come on and score a meaningful goal or two, all will be forgiven.

The match against Crystal Palace could be his first big chance to reintroduce himself. Giroud certainly deserves the starting role, but with only two days of rest since the Watford match, Lampard could be looking to relieve tired legs earlier than usual. Given half an hour or so against a defense that soiled itself repeatedly against Leicester City on Saturday, Abraham could have plenty of runway to put on a performance that catches Lampard’s attention.

Chelsea needs all hands on deck for the home stretch here. If Lampard can have two in-form goal scorers at his disposal, that could make things far easier in the pursuit for Champions League football.