by LONDON (Sporting Alert) — Fernando Torres returns to the Chelsea FC starting line-up, while both Frank Lampard and Demba Ba start on the bench for tonight’s League Cup semi-final game with Swansea.
Follow Live Score Updates: Chelsea v Swansea
Ba started the FA Cup win over Southampton and netted twice in the 5-1 victory over the weekend, but manager Rafa Benitez has decided to start Torres this time.
Lampard scored from the penalty spot against the Saints.
Meanwhile, Brazilian playmaker Oscar is back in the first team and he replaces Victor Moses, with Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Ramires also starting in midfield.
Ashley Cole serves as captain tonight for Chelsea, while David Luiz is back at center half with Gary Cahill
Swansea City start a strong team for the contest, with leading goalscorer Michu, Angel Rangel, and Pablo Hernandez all return from the weekend FA Cup 2-2 draw with Arsenal FC.
“We know playing away against Chelsea, probably they will have possession of the ball more than we have,” said Swansea boss Michael Laudrup.
“But I think it is still important to always have in mind that we want to get a goal. An away goal is always very important in the first leg.”
Chelsea v Swansea
Chelsea: Turnbull, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole, Luiz, Ramires, Hazard, Oscar, Mata, Torres
Subs: Hilario, Lampard, Ferreira, Marin, Ba, Bertrand, Ake
Swansea: Tremmel, Rangel, Chico, Williams, Davies, Britton, de Guzman, Ki, Routledge, Hernandez, Michu
Subs: Vorm, Graham, Dyer, Monk, Shechter, Tiendalli, Agustien
Referee: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire)
