All Eyes on Torres at Stamford Bridge

Fernando Torres is set to make his debut for Chelsea against his former employers when Liverpool visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Torres’s controversial £50million move from Merseyside to London last week sparked a furore of activity in the transfer market and whilst his ‘replacement’ Andy Carroll is unfit Torres can make an immediate impact this weekend.

The £23million acquisition of Luis Suarez was largely overshadowed in the commotion caused by the Torres and Carroll transfers, but he scored on his debut on Wednesday and could be in line for his first start here.

Midfielder Christian Poulsen is likely to return to the squad after missing the midweek win but the game is likely to come too soon for Joe Cole. Chelsea could also hand a debut to new defender David Luiz who joined the club from Benfica on deadline day.

Torres scored twice in a 2-0 win for Liverpool when the side’s met at Anfield earlier this season, he is 5/4 to net on debut here and 13/2 to bag another brace.

Chelsea appear to have turned the corner following a dramatic slump in form throughout November and December and have now won their last three Premier League games, including a hugely impressive 4-2 win against Sunderland last time out.

Liverpool are also a team in the ascendency having also won their previous three and the sight of Torres in a blue shirt may just further galvanise Kenny Dalglish’s side.

Chelsea’s imperious home form makes them justifiable favourites at odds of 8/13 with the bookmakers but a rejuvenated Liverpool side are always likely to be dangerous at around 5/1.

There won’t be any love lost between the Liverpool fans towards Torres and he’ll be grateful that this one is being played in the capital rather than on Merseyside. But for £50million Chelsea will be expecting that the Spaniard can block out the negativity and do what he does best; score goals.