Conte could stick with Morata and Giroud at Wembley

Antonio Conte is considering starting with both Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud up front for Chelsea in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Southampton

They combined well after being deployed in attack at Burnley, where Victor Moses scored the winner in a 2-1 victory.

Morata missed a great chance to score in the second half, but his overall performance gave Conte food for thought.

And the Blues boss could play them alongside each other again at Wembley.

“This could be an option – a possibility for Sunday or for the future,” said Conte.

“This was the first time we tried this solution with two strikers and we had a great response. We surprised Burnley with two strikers.”

Conte backed Morata after Thursday’s game and insisted he was not taken off because of the miss.

Morata shot woefully wide after being put through by N’Golo Kante shortly before the home side equalised.

But Conte was adamant it was not the reason Morata was replaced by Eden Hazard soon afterwards.

“No. Honestly. Around 70 minutes I thought it was better to put fresh strength on with Hazard,” Conte explained. “He has different characteristics to Morata.

“Alvaro must be angry, because when you have a chance to score you have to score and it can change your confidence.

“He was angry with himself but I see his whole performance. They (Morata and Giroud) did a great job, as did the whole team.”

The win maintained Chelsea’s slim chance of qualifying for the Champions League, closing the gap between them and fourth-placed Tottenham to five points.

Conte added: “It won’t be easy and we have to get three points every game.

“We have to try and for sure tonight I saw a great team spirit and a will to fight.”