Maurizio Sarri left with decision to make ahead of Chelsea’s clash with West Ham

Eden Hazard is at his best when Olivier Giroud is on the field, we’ve known this for a while.

Hazard was never able to form much of a rapport with Alvaro Morata, yet his relationship with Giroud blossomed soon after the Frenchman’s arrival at Stamford Bridge.

We had hoped that Hazard would click with Gonzalo Higuain in a similar manner, with the forward also being more effective in front of goal than Giroud.

That hasn’t been the case.

Wednesday night’s victory over Brighton was further evidence that there is nobody that Hazard works better with in the Chelsea squad than Giroud.

The stats are there to prove it, too. Hazard’s goal contributions increase considerably while partnered with Giroud in attack.

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Sarri may well be better off using the tried and tested partnership that Hazard and Giroud have, rather than gambling on Higuain finding his shooting boots.

We wouldn’t be surprised to see the World Cup winner be granted further opportunities in the latter stages of the season. He certainly deserves them.

There is no longer any justification to field Higuain ahead of Giroud, who has scored consistently when given the opportunity to start in attack under Sarri.

Giroud is the top goalscorer in the Europa League this season, and also found the back of the Brighton net to break the deadlock midweek.

Sarri, who is notoriously stubborn when it comes to making changes to his starting eleven has been left with a decision to make ahead of our clash with West Ham on Monday night. .

For us, though, the right choice is clear – Oli G has to start.

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