TEAM NEWS: Torres starts ahead of Ba for Chelsea's clash with Reading

Jan 30, 2013 7:15:00 PM

The Spaniard is rewarded for his late equaliser against Brentford in the FA Cup as he is recalled alongside Cesar Azpiliceuta and Juan Mata, while the Royals make six changes

Rafa Benitez has opted for Fernando Torres up front for Chelsea's Premier League clash away at Reading.

The Spaniard scored a late goal to save the Blues from being dumped out of the FA Cup by Brentford on Sunday and is rewarded with a starting place ahead of Demba Ba.

Captain John Terry returns to the bench after starting the 2-2 cup draw, with Cesar Azpilicueta coming in at right-back and Branislav Ivanovic moving into the centre.

Juan Mata is the other change for the Blues, taking Marko Marin's place in the attacking midfield three.

Sean Morrison and Ian Harte are recalled to the Reading defence by manager Brian McDermott after their 4-0 demolition of Sheffield United last time out.

They are joined by Danny Guthrie, Jobi McAnuff, Jimmy Kebe and Pavel Pogrebnyak as the Royals opt for a 4-2-3-1, with Noel Hunt's double against the Championship side not enough to retain his place in attack.

Reading starting XI: Federici; Harte, Kelly, Pearce, Mariappa; Leigertwood, Guthrie, Karacan, McAnuff, Kebe; Pogrebnyak

Subs: Taylor, Shorey, Morrison, Akpan, Robson-Kanu, McCleary, Le Fondre

Chelsea starting XI: Turnbull, Azpilicueta, Cole, Cahill, Ivanovic; Ramires, Lampard; Mata, Oscar, Bertrand; Torres

Subs: Hilario, Ferreira, Terry, Marin, Benayoun, Ake, Ba