Talking Tactics: Broja return lifts Blues after Jackson's slow start

Chelsea finally look to have some competition in an area that has been a longstanding problem. 

Nicolas Jackson was signed in the summer to fill the striker void and scored the winning goal in the recent Carabao Cup win over Brighton. 

With the Senegal international suspended for the subsequent derby against Fulham, Armando Broja made his first start of the season and found the net in a 2-0 win. 

Ahead of Chelsea's Premier League clash against Burnley on Saturday, we take a look at the battle for a spot in Mauricio Pochettino's XI.

Broja chance

Jackson's suspension came at a poor time after he had just scored against the Seagulls.

The 22-year-old has endured a mixed start for the Londoners, impressing with his pace, work-rate and skill but disappointing with his poor finishing and lack of discipline. 

Indeed, the only way that Jackson has proved himself to be prolific is when it comes to picking up bookings. 

He has only one goal to show for his six Premier League appearances but missed the Fulham match having been shown five yellow cards. 

That paved the way for Broja to take his place and the Albanian made the most of the opportunity, scoring Chelsea's second in a 2-0 victory. 

Way to go, Bro

After the Fulham game, Chelsea defender Levi Colwill gave his verdict on Broja's performance and the fight to lead the line.

He said: "I'm so happy for him, it was a long time he was out injured. 

"He came back and has been working so hard to come into the side and score, which is the best way to come back. 

"They're both great strikers, so to have that battle day-in-day-out for starting positions, is going to be good for both of them. 

"They're both going to learn and when they come on the pitch they have got to take their chances." 

Poch this space

During the mid-season break for the 2022 World Cup, Broja picked up a serious knee injury during a friendly against Aston Villa that kept him out for the remainder of the campaign.

The match against Fulham was his first start for the Blues since. He had previously made two short substitute appearances this season.

Starting in a derby match was therefore a major test of his fitness and Pochettino substituted the 22-year-old after 65 minutes — a move that was reportedly planned, although the Albanian international hobbled off the field.

Now the Argentine manager has another decision to make. Stick with the striker that scored against Fulham, or return the freshly available Jackson to his line-up. 

There appear to be pros and cons in both cases. Broja brings strength and the ability to bring others into the game but is still rebuilding his fitness and is not yet able to complete 90 minutes. 

Jackson has more pace, yet his finishing can be wayward and his confidence has suffered. 

The former Villarreal ace has only one Premier League goal for Chelsea despite having an xG of 4.18. 

Whoever gets the nod, it is a positive for Chelsea and both the young strikers involved that there is now some competition in this area. 

With the injured Christopher Nkunku also set to return this season, an area of weakness could gradually become a strength.