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Team News: Rafael Benitez picks Fernando Torres to start

Team News: Benitez picks Torres to start
© PA Photos
Fernando Torres is recalled to the Chelsea lineup by new manager Rafael Benitez.

New Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has recalled fellow Spaniard Fernando Torres to the Blues' starting XI after former boss Roberto Di Matteo had dropped him to the bench.

Torres will be supported by a familiar attacking three of Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar for the former Liverpool manager's first game in charge.

For the visiting Manchester City, Roberto Mancini has opted to continue with super-sub Edin Dzeko for a second game running to partner Sergio Aguero, with Carlos Tevez again missing out.

Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Ivanovic, Cole; Mikel, Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Torres

Man City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Nastasic, Kolarov; Barry, Y Toure, Silva, Milner; Dzeko, Aguero

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Matt Domm
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Rafael Benitez holds the Chelsea shirt as he is unveiled as manager on November 22, 2012
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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal19116238172139
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea19105438231535
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle1995532211132
6Manchester CityMan City199463226631
7Bournemouth198652923630
8Fulham197842825329
9Aston Villa198562831-329
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton196942928127
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1973941281324
12Brentford197393335-224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham196582335-1223
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace194872027-720
16Everton183871524-917
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich1936101833-1515
19Leicester CityLeicester1935112242-2014
20Southampton1913151239-276


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