Chelsea FC: I feel like ferNANDOS tonight

There are many small things that frustrate me in life: people who lick their finger to turn a page, people who feel obliged to fold their jumpers around their waist, even people who slurp their drinks or soup. But when it comes to Chelsea FC, there is one rather big problem – the lack of starting opportunities for Fernando Torres.

The Spaniard has recently been demoted to the bench following Didier Drogba’s impressive displays and presence upfront. Arguably, players around him like Juan Mata and Daniel Sturridge are performing better too, but was last weekend’s result evidence that AVB needs to change things?

After the 1-1 draw away to Wigan Athletic, BBC Sport’s 606 was inundated with complaints from Chelsea fans asking why Salomon Kalou and Florent Malouda were brought on rather than Torres. Now, I know Torres hasn’t made the best impact since moving to the Bridge and his goals per game ratio isn’t one to be gloating about, but surely if you give him a chance and a string of games he’ll soon find his scoring ability?

In the win over Newcastle United a few weeks back, Torres was introduced as a second half substitute, and for me, he changed the game. His presence added more of a counter attacking option and the Blues went on to score a further two goals with the Spaniard getting an assist.

Drogba may also be heading for the African Cup of Nations in January, so playing Fernando early will allow him to settle once the Ivorian has left. And what better stage than White Hart Lane tomorrow; after all, the 27-year-old had his best performance at Old Trafford this season so big venues shouldn’t faze him.

This is however a personal opinion to start Torres, but I think AVB will stick to the original front three as Drogba will provide a good tussle with Ledley King and William Gallas. Let’s just hope Fernando gets a run in the team sometime, otherwise, he could be heading elsewhere come summer.

Aaron Aquilina
@P_D_L_P