Frank Lampard has explained why he has started Tammy Abraham over Olivier Giroud for Chelsea's Premier League clash with West Ham United this evening.
Abraham was preferred by Lampard for the majority of the opening stages of the season but Giroud won a starting role after impressing off the bench and in the Europa League.
But after a dip in form from the Blues, Lampard has reverted to Abraham for the clash with West Ham, Chelsea looking to bounce back from back-to-back defeats.
Ahead of the game, Lampard explained his decision in a Sky Sports interview. Asked about the changes, he said: "With Tammy, it’s his energy from the front.
"Oli has been fantastic and he can obviously come off the bench as well. I’ve got choices every week with those two.
"And with Kai, similarly I’ve got midfield players that are competing and I have to have a good level of competition, it’s nothing against Kai. He’s finding his feet and he will find his feet. It’s just the midfield that I chose tonight.”
Lampard made three changes in all, bringing in Jorginho for Kai Havertz and Cesar Azpilicueta has come in to replace the injured Reece James.
Discussing those changes, Lampard said: "It’s just a rotation and looking at the attributes of players against different opponents.
"I’ve got choices to make and whatever one I make, there’s probably a good case for others. "
Havertz was a doubt heading into this fixture with a hamstring injury, as was Callum Hudson-Odoi, but both players have managed to make the bench.
Lampard has plenty to call upon from his bench with Billy Gilmour, Mateo Kovacic and Olivier Giroud also featuring on a strong list of substitutes.
