Benitez: Torres and Ba will have to fight it out for Chelsea starting spot

8 Jan 2013 17:00:00

The Spanish coach says he is pleased to have options over who starts up top for the Blues ahead of their Capital One Cup semi-final meeting with Swansea City

Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez is relishing the selection dilemma he faces with club record signing Fernando Torres and recent arrival Demba Ba set to battle it out for a starting berth up top.

Ba netted twice on his debut as the Blues ran out 5-1 winners in an FA Cup clash with Southampton on Saturday, underlining his status as a potential threat to the £50 million Spaniard's place.

And, ahead of his side's Capital One Cup meeting with Swansea, interim coach Benitez has refused to be drawn on who will lead the line.


TUESDAY TRANSFER ROUND-UP
3/1	Demba Ba is 3/1 with bet365 to open the scoring for Chelsea against Swansea

He told reporters: “It is good for me because before I didn’t have to think about which striker to choose. I prefer to be in a position where I can choose one or the other.

“It’s important to have options, especially if you have two games in four days. We have different options.

“I have an idea who will start. It depends on how they feel and perform. There’s no rule about one playing in this game and the other in the next. I’ve spoken to Fernando a lot and with Demba and they know what I am expecting of them.

“We have now two good players, two good options, and both will compete. I can see everything positive in terms of the team now.

“Talking with Demba and Fernando, they both know they have to compete and play well. It can bring the best out of both of them.”

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