Frank Lampard considering key change for Leeds United clash as Chelsea boss also hails Stamford Bridge 'baby step'

CHELSEA boss Frank Lampard will consider the tight turnaround before deciding if four-goal hero Olivier Giroud will bag a first league start of the season in Saturday's showdown against Leeds United.
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France World Cup winner Giroud came into the Chelsea XI for Wednesday night's Champions League clash against Sevilla in Seville as one of nine changes made by Blues boss Lampard.

The 34-year-old then produced a perfect hat-trick of goals with his right foot, left foot and head in addition to a late penalty as the Blues romped to a 4-0 victory.

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In doing so, Giroud became the first Chelsea player to net four times in a game since Lampard achieved the same feat against Aston Villa in 2010.

CLINICAL: Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is embraced by Blues boss Frank Lampard after coming off following his four-timer against Sevilla. Lampard was the last Chelsea player to score four - in 2010. Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images.CLINICAL: Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is embraced by Blues boss Frank Lampard after coming off following his four-timer against Sevilla. Lampard was the last Chelsea player to score four - in 2010. Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images.
CLINICAL: Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is embraced by Blues boss Frank Lampard after coming off following his four-timer against Sevilla. Lampard was the last Chelsea player to score four - in 2010. Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images.

Giroud has yet to start a league game this season with Lampard going with England international Tammy Abraham in the centre forward role in last weekend's top-of-the-table clash at home to Tottenham Hotspur with Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech either side in a front three.

Giroud's last league start came in last season's final game of the campaign at home to Wolves but Lampard is now considering moving the striker into his XI against Leeds.

Pushed on the fact that the Frenchman now makes a good case to start against the Whites, Lampard said: "Yes he does. I will have to see because it is a tight turnaround but it's four goals in a game.

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"It was not just his own performance but when you play Oli and you utlise his strengths and still maintain threats from the sides of speed, of getting in behind with quality players through the middle of the park then you see a real nice balance about our attacking play.

"Fair play to Oli, it's not easy scoring four. I do know that.

"But he has done it on this level at this stage of the Champions League against a really top opponent and also the level of goals.

"I know the last one was a penalty but his individual input into the goals was really top class.

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"It was an amazing solo performance from him and he deserves all the accolades. I am delighted with him, I am delighted with the team."

Saturday night's clash against the Whites will also see Chelsea play in front of fans for the first time since March with the Blues able to welcome back the permitted amount of 2,000 supporters back to Stamford Bridge due to London being in Tier 2 in the country's battle against coronavirus.

"We are delighted, as everybody is in football," said Lampard.

"There is still a long way to go, small numbers when you compare to the stadiums in the Premier League.

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"But it's a small baby step and hopefully it moves quickly and safely but we are very happy to welcome our fans.

"They have supported us from afar, we appreciate that always.

"There's nothing better than feeling that at Stamford Bridge so delighted."

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