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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
1Liverpool17133140172342
2Arsenal18106235161936
3Chelsea18105338211735
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1810442419534
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle188553021929
6Bournemouth188552721629
7Manchester CityMan City188463026428
8Fulham187742623328
9Aston Villa188462629-328
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton186842726126
11Brentford187383232024
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs1872939261323
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham186572330-723
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd186482124-322
15Everton173861522-717
16Crystal Palace183871826-817
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1843112940-1115
18Leicester CityLeicester1835102240-1814
19Ipswich TownIpswich1826101633-1712
20Southampton1813141137-266


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