Chelsea’s Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park tomorrow could be a big one for Raheem Sterling.
If Raheem Sterling starts or gets a good chunk of minutes in the second half as a substitute, he has to do something.
Why? Well because Nicolas Jackson is breathing down his neck.
Nicolas Jackson could replace Raheem Sterling on the left at Chelsea
Jackson was bought from Villarreal last summer to lead the line for Chelsea.
However, the 22-year-old started on the left in the Blues’ 3-1 win against Aston Villa during the week and managed to score a goal.
Mauricio Pochettino has now hinted that Jackson could play there in the future.
“He started on the left [against Aston Villa], but football is dynamic and he has to move,” the Argentine was quoted as saying by Chelsea’s official website.
“Yes, I think he is a player that can play in this place. I am so happy because of the characteristics, he always plays better when he is facing the goal rather than his back to the goal.”
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It is not good news for Sterling, who faces a real battle to start on the right as well.
Raheem Sterling unlikely to start on the right
Sterling can also be utilised on the right and has spent a lot of time on that flank this season.
The problem for him is that Pochettino has used Cole Palmer there, too, and he has been a sensation for the club.
In total, Palmer has made 27 appearances, scoring 12 goals and providing seven assists.
In the form that Palmer is in, he is not the sort of player you move around to accommodate a struggling Sterling, who has not scored a league goal since November. Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot has even called for the 29-year-old to be more of a leader at Stamford Bridge.
Any opportunity the £50m wide man (BBC Sport) gets at Selhurst Park tomorrow, he has to take it.
