MY ACCOUNT
Pat Nevin is backing Romelu Lukaku to find the net again when Chelsea head to Leeds tomorrow night.
Lukaku, 28, has struggled for form and goals since returning to Stamford Bridge for £97.5million last summer following a prolific spell with Inter Milan.
Thomas Tuchel recalled him to the starting line-up for Saturday’s home clash with Wolves and was rewarded with two goals from the Belgian hitman before the game ended in a disappointing 2-2 draw.
And Nevin, who weaved his magic down the wing during a five-year spell at Stamford Bridge in the 80s, is confident Lukaku can fire his old side to victory at Elland Road to tighten their grip on third place in the Premier League table.
The Scot, 58, said: “I will not be surprised if Lukaku gets another shot at grabbing the headlines, as well as another goal or two.
“Many strikers exist on confidence as much as they do oxygen and those two goals at the Bridge will have had a spectacular effect on the big man.
“Like everyone else, he is playing for a starting berth at the weekend as well as that top-four spot and the big-name players love nothing more than turning up for the big games and making a big impact.”
Once the clash with old rivals Leeds is out of the way, Chelsea can focus on the FA Cup final against Quadruple-chasing Liverpool.
And with Todd Boehly’s consortium finalising their purchase of the club, the cloud of uncertainty hanging over the Bridge is finally beginning to lift.
Boehly watched from the stands as Chelsea blew a two-goal lead against Wolves — but Nevin suspects the American already knows there will be plenty of bumps along the way.
He added: “There is tension in the air and the club has a chance to have a few days that will affect the next few years in an incredible way on and off the field.
“By this time next week, we could have a major trophy, be safely in the Champions League and be well on the way to sorting out the new ownership and the next generation at the club.
“Chelsea don’t do dull, someone should warn the prospective new owners, but I guess they know that already even after just one game.”
