Chelsea will likely give Torres a chance when they travel to Arsenal tomorrow. Can he finally score a decisive big match goal?
While the football world focuses on Didier Drogba’s excellent – and at times infuriating- performance against Barcelona in midweek, it could be their £50 million forgotten man in the spotlight tomorrow.
Roberto di Matteo has already indicated he plans to rest the Ivorian, and potentially a few others, after their heroic efforts, to add to the FA Cup semi-final last Sunday.
“We will have to assess the players but there is a good chance some fresh ones will come in, I left a few players out against Barcelona because I have to make decisions,We will see about Saturday but I have it in mind to give one or two a start.”
Drogba at 34 is unlikely to start three big games in a week, especially with Torres raring to show what he can do.
The Spaniard has scored just three goals since the turn of the year, two in the FA Cup against Leicester and a third against Aston Villa when the game was already won.
He is still searching for that special moment to endear him to the Chelsea faithful, and will be hoping he can make it happen this weekend.
Arsenal will be determined not to let it happen. The Gunners are five points clear of Spurs and Newcastle, and seven ahead of Chelsea, but have played a game more than all three of their rivals.
A loss to Chelsea will make them extremely anxious heading into their last three games and have them rueing their Monday night defeat at home to Wigan Athletic.
Being the early game on Saturday, rivals Newcastle and Spurs will know the result in advance of their matches, and if Arsenal lose they will use it to inspire them. Even if Arsenal win and Chelsea drop points the clubs can turn it to a psychological advantage.
Arsenal fans will hope that Frenchman Laurent Koscielny and Kieran Gibbs are back to keep Torres out. Fans are still to be convinced of Andre Santos’ defensive qualities, although he showed his best attacking talents when the sides last met, scoring at Stamford Bridge.
Another man fans are far from convinced about is Johan Djourou, who featured against Wolves and Wigan, and supporters will fancy their chances if he is out and Koscielny is back in alongside Torres.
Di Matteo will be tempted to throw Drogba in, the striker has a terrific record against Arsenal, but it may be more prudent to bring him in off the bench and let Torres have the chance to finally make an impression in a crucial game.
The winner will fancy their chances of Champions League football next season, if Chelsea lose, their only way back in will be winning the competition proper this season.
Can Torres do it or will it be another damp squib of a performance from him?
image: © Ben Sutherland
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