Rafa and Hiddink have sprung a couple of surprises with their lineups for tonight’s Champions League ties, with both Torres and Essien handed starting roles.
The start for Torres looked unlikely leading up to the game, but he has recovered from his ankle troubles and lines up against Madrid at Anfield. Arbeloa also makes a return from injury and will be welcome back on our fantasy radars as a result. Benayoun sits out with a hamstring problem, while Gerrard looks as though he will tuck in behind Torres up front. It’s a lineup that will surely closely resemble the eleven selected for the Old Trafford clash at the weekend.
As for Chelsea, Hiddink appears to be starting with a front two of Anelka (back from injury) and Drogba against Juventus, with Essien surprisingly handed a start in midfield. An interesting one this – we’ll have to see just how his team lines up, but if Essien is given a licence to influence the game going forward, then he must surely become a worthy differential contender for the final ten fixtures.