Fernando Torres has been left on the bench for his former club Liverpool's visit to Stamford Bridge this afternoon.

Ivorian forward Didier Drogba takes the Spaniard's place at the spearhead of the Blues attack with Juan Mata, Florent Malouda and Frank Lampard supporting.

For the visitors Luis Suarez also adopts a lone central role and will be aided by Craig Bellamy and Dirk Kuyt.

In midfield, Maxi Rodriguez comes in for Stewart Downing, who drops to the bench.

Torres has scored more goals for Liverpool (4 in 16) than Chelsea (3 in 22) in this calendar year despite his January transfer to the Bridge.

Chelsea: P Cech; B Ivanovic, D Luiz, J Terry, A Cole; Ramires, J-O Mikel, F Lampard, J Mata, F Malouda; D Drogba

Liverpool: P Reina; G Johnson, M Skrtel, D Agger, J Enrique; Maxi, C Adam, Lucas; C Bellamy, D Kuyt, L Suarez