Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti to opt for Didier Drogba over Fernando Torres for Manchester United clash - report

Fernando Torres appears set to warm the Old Trafford substitutes' bench on Sunday as Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is expected to task Didier Drogba with leading the line in his side's title defining clash with Manchester United, according to The Mirror.

The Italian manager used both the Spaniard and Ivorian in his starting line-up during last weekend’s controversial victory over Tottenham, but the presence of the two forced Drogba into a wide position as the Blues achieved what their manager branded a “lucky” victory.

Torres’ solitary goal in the home victory against West Ham sparked hope amongst the club's supporters that the floodgates would open but it is believed that Ancelotti harbours more hope of Drogba unsettling the United back line.

After a hat-trick against West Brom on the opening day of the season, Drogba has scored sporadically since to take his Premier League total to 12 goals, but his impact against Manchester United when introduced in the Champions League clash earlier last month could prove decisive in Sunday’s team selection.

On that night, Drogba replaced Torres at half-time and scored a trademark goal to give the Blues a glimmer of hope before Ji-Sung Park knocked Chelsea out of the competition.

It is expected that Ancelotti will not make his final decision on which personnel will fill his front line until his players arrive in Manchester for the fixture.