Chelsea news: Sky Sports pundit makes Manchester United claim over Alvaro Morata

CHELSEA striker Alvaro Morata can still earn a starting berth for the FA Cup final against Manchester United.

By Lewis Winter

PUBLISHED: 21:11, Wed, May 9, 2018 | UPDATED: 21:11, Wed, May 9, 2018

Alvaro Morata Chelsea GETTY

Alvaro Morata has not been a regular at Chelsea of late

That is the verdict of Sky Sports pundit and former Arsenal striker Alan Smith.

A lack of form in front of goal has seen Morata fall down the pecking order at Chelsea.

The Spaniard started his Blues career in fine form but has scored just three goals in 19 appearances in all competitions in 2019.

Olivier Giroud has taken his chance since arriving from Arsenal for £18million in January, scoring five including the only goal in the 1-0 win over Liverpool on Sunday.

A goal or two wouldn’t harm his chances at all tonight

Alan Smith on Chelsea star Alvaro Morata

But Morata surprisingly replaced Giroud in the starting XI for the crucial clash in the race for the top four against Huddersfield tonight.

And Smith says it was Morata’s last chance to earn a spot for the FA Cup final.

“He has fallen down the pecking order below Olivier Giroud,” Smith said.

“So a goal or two wouldn’t harm his chances at all tonight.

Alvaro Morata Chelsea GETTY

Alvaro Morata was handed a surprise start in Chelsea's clash with Huddersfield

“Obviously an FA Cup final place as well (is available).”

Chelsea face Manchester United at Wembley a week on Saturday.

Giroud will be looking to win his fourth FA Cup having lifted three at Arsenal.