TEAM NEWS: Terry returns for Chelsea in Liverpool clash

11 Nov 2012 15:13:00

The defender partners Branislav Ivanovic at centre-back for the Blues, while Brendan Rodgers opts for a 3-5-2 formation with Andre Wisdom and Jamie Carragher in defence

Chelsea captain John Terry returns after the completion of his four-match-ban to lead his side in their Premier League match against Liverpool.

David Luiz is kept out of the side with a bout of tonsillitis while Ryan Bertrand comes into the starting XI with Ashley Cole also missing for the game at Stamford Bridge.

Brendan Rodgers keeps Jamie Carragher in the starting line up after his involvement in the Europa League in midweek while Glen Johnson also returns but Martin Skrtel misses out due to a virus.

Midfielders Joe Cole and Stuart Downing are relegated to the bench as Steven Gerrard returns to face the man who he inherited the England captaincy from, while Brad Jones keeps his place in between the sticks.

Chelsea starting XI: Cech, Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Terry, Bertrand; Mikel, Ramires; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Torres.

Subs: Turnbull, Ferreira, Cahill, Romeu, Marin, Moses, Sturridge.

Liverpool starting XI: Jones; Wisdom, Carragher, Agger; Johnson, Gerrard, Sahin, Allen, Enrique; Sterling, Suarez.

Subs: Gulacsi, Cole, Assaidi, Henderson, Coates, Downing, Suso.