Although not currently part of Thomas Tuchel’s team, Conor Gallagher might serve Chelsea to the max in the next few weeks.
Gallagher left the Blues over the summer to sign a season-long loan with Crystal Palace.
It didn’t take long for the midfielder to find his Eagle wings, scoring twice away to West Ham United in the final Premier League fixture before the international interlude.
The 21-year-old’s brace were the first competitive goals of the Patrick Vieira era; not a bad stat to have in your locker.
After a slow start to the campaign, Palace needed some life injected into the veins.
Thankfully for their sake, Gallagher was on hand to get the blood pumping and the heart racing.
Unfortunately, Palace’s run post the break from domestic play doesn’t fill the mind with confidence.
First, a visit from table-topping Tottenham Hotspur to Selhurst Park, before a trip to Anfield the following weekend.
Leicester City and Manchester City also await them next month.
Gallagher under the spotlight
Whilst Vieira’s side take on the league’s big boys, Chelsea will be watching from afar with great intrigue.
Not only to see the results of their fellow title chasers, but also to see how Gallagher is getting on in a Palace jersey
Or more specifically, how Gallagher is getting on in terms of stopping their silverware rivals.
If the golden-haired, blue-eyed youngster can strike a red mark against Spurs and then Liverpool, the Stamford Bridge faithful will be signing his name from the rooftops.
Put on the same goalscoring performance witnessed at West Ham, there is no reason why Palace can’t take points off England’s elite.
Spurs are currently three wins from three, a run that Chelsea need ending immediately.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s only blotch was served up by the Blues in the 1-1 draw a fortnight ago.
Gallagher has already halted the Hammers, who sit in second place.
Therefore, the same treatment will be needed for the two other European-placed sides.
No pressure, Con.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
