Former Chelsea and Barcelona player Emmanuel Petit believes that Olivier Giroud can be Chelsea's new Diego Costa.

Chelsea are preparing for a brutal Champions League tie against Barcelona, and Petit knows they will have to take the few chances they get in both games.

He believes Giroud could be the key.

"The fighter Olivier Giroud will play a new role for Chelsea that will help Hazard a lot," he said in his Sun Sport column.

"Hazard was missing a Giroud-type person — this is the kind of player he will love to play with.

"Giroud is not going to ask for the ball behind defenders. But Chelsea have fast players anyway and he is very physical, especially in the box and he can bring in players as well.

"He reminds me of Diego Costa with his fighting spirit and mentality.

You know what you can expect from him, he always gives 100 per cent. It's a very good buy for Chelsea "and a good opportunity for Olivier.

"He can have a big impact against Barca — especially on set-pieces, which is an area where I think they can cause them problems."