Chelsea striker Armando Broja is in line to make his first start for the Blues against Crystal Palace this weekend.
That is according to journalist Simon Phillips, who has informed GIVEMESPORT of the 21-year-old’s progress at Chelsea after featuring heavily this season from the bench.
What’s the word?
The Cobham graduate is yet to make a full Chelsea debut, despite returning from a fruitful spell on loan at Southampton which saw him bag nine goals in all competitions, but that could well change this weekend amidst Phillips’ latest update on the Albanian.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about Broja’s chances of starting against Crystal Palace on Saturday, the journalist said: “He’s very close, I’m surprised he hasn’t had it yet, but he had a small injury, so I think that held him up a bit.
“I’ve been told that he is expected to get the nod in the next game if all things go well between now and then and I think it’ll probably be ahead of Aubameyang, who still has a broken jaw issue, so I think Broja will start against Crystal Palace.”
Broja’s big chance
After signing a new six-year deal with Chelsea earlier this month, the 21-year-old proclaimed that he was not fazed by the arrival of Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang at Stamford Bridge, saying: “I have always been a confident boy and it is important to keep that and remain confident.
“I feel like I can help the team a lot. I will do my best on and off the pitch in any way I can. I believe I can.”
This clearly hints at an inner self-belief from Broja, in what is a terrific compliment to his footballing ability.
It seems that this belief has inspired Graham Potter, who may give the starlet a well-deserved chance to lead the line after the Albanian demonstrated his class last season, scoring six Premier League goals under Ralph Hasenhuttl at Southampton.
Indeed, Alan Nixon had claimed that Broja has been impressing his manager behind the scenes in training, so don’t be surprised to see the 21-year-old’s name among Chelsea’s starting line-up at Selhurst Park this weekend.
