Torres expected to drop to the bench despite midweek ‘Man of the Match’ display…
Defence:
Jose Mourinho will revert back to his first-choice defence, with Cesar Azpiliceuta and Ryan Bertrand making way for the experienced fullback duo of Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole. Gary Cahill, Chelsea’s first-choice defender, is expected to partner club captain John Terry, who missed the midweek win over Swindon, with Brazilian David Luiz dropping to the bench.
Midfield:
Marco Van Ginkel picked up a nasty injury in the League Cup victory, and will be out for six months at least. Mourinho likes to partner Frank Lampard with Ramires in the anchoring role, but the Brazilian battler also injured himself in midweek, meaning John Obi Mikel is likely to start against Spurs. The Effervescent Lampard will definitely play after being rested in midweek.
Attack:
Despite starting against Swindon, and putting in a promising performance, 25-year-old playmaker Juan Mata will likely find himself on the bench again. First choice no.10 Oscar will take his place and brilliant attacker Eden Hazard will continue from the left. German wing-forward will start on the right of the three attacking midfielders, with £35m signing Willian back on the bench. Despite scoring in midweek and putting in a Man of the Match performance, Fernando Torres will drop to the bench to be replaced by Samuel Eto’o, who is still yet to score for the Blues.
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