Share

Torres to debut against Reds

London - Fernando Torres should make his debut for Chelsea against former club Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, just six days after leaving the Reds in a British-record transfer deal.

The Spain striker angered Liverpool fans after sealing his reported 50 million pounds ($81 million) switch to the defending English champions, by saying he jumped at the chance to move to a "top-level club" after 3 years at Anfield.

Torres said it is "destiny" that his debut for the Blues will come against Liverpool, although it remains to be seen whether Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti starts him at Stamford Bridge, following his team's attacking masterclass in the 4-2 win at Sunderland on Tuesday.

"We have to test him (but) if he has no problem, he can play on Sunday against Liverpool," Ancelotti said. "I think he has no problem, because he played the last game with Liverpool and played well."

Torres scored three goals in his final four matches for Liverpool, taking his season's tally to nine at club level.

Liverpool hasn't conceded in its last three matches, which have all been wins to lift the club into seventh place - lofty heights compared to earlier in the season when it languished in the relegation zone.

"If I have the chance to play (against Liverpool), I will do my best for Chelsea and hopefully I can score," Torres said.

"It is not perfect for me, but we will see what happens."

Chelsea are also in good form, scoring 10 goals in consecutive victories over Blackburn, Bolton and Sunderland to retain some hope of catching leader Manchester United, who are 10 points ahead of the Blues.

Chelsea are currently two points adrift of third-place Manchester City, who have played a game more.

Liverpool could hand a start to Uruguay striker Luis Suarez, who came off the bench on debut to score the second goal in Wednesday's 2-0 win over Stoke.

United takes its unbeaten run to Wolverhampton, who slipped to the bottom of the standings by losing 1-0 at Bolton on Wednesday.

Wayne Rooney got back among the goals with a first-half double in the 3-1 victory over Aston Villa on Tuesday, and the England striker hopes there are more to come.

"I am delighted to have scored and hopefully I can go on a run now and help the team to win games," said Rooney, who has scored four league goals this season.

"We know it's up to us where the title goes, and I hope we can win it."

Arsenal, five points behind United in second place, travel to Newcastle, and City take on West Bromwich Albion at home.

Fifth-place Tottenham play at home against Bolton and will look to back up the 1-0 win at Blackburn on Wednesday that kept the team in touch with the top four.

In other games on Saturday, Stoke host sixth-place Sunderland, in-form Fulham travel to Villa, Everton are at home to Blackpool and second-bottom Wigan host Blackburn.

Sunday's other match sees Birmingham visit West Ham in a match-up between two sides battling to avoid relegation.

West Ham climbed off the foot of the table, and are now 18th after a 3-1 win at Blackpool on Wednesday.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE