Cole, Bridge back for Blues

Joe Cole and Wayne Bridge returned to Chelsea’s line-up as the Blues looked to extend their lead at the top of the table against Portsmouth.

With Arsenal not playing until tomorrow, Chelsea could move at least 11 points clear with a victory at Stamford Bridge, even if Manchester United beat Aston Villa.

Former Southampton defender Bridge returned at left-back, with Paulo Ferreira reverting to right-back at the expense of Glen Johnson, while Cole replaced Tiago in the central midfield trio.

Portsmouth, for whom Lomana LuaLua and Amdy Faye were suspended and Steve Stone and Andy Griffin were out injured, made five changes from last weekend’s home defeat by Blackburn.

Jamie Ashdown replaced Shaka Hislop in goal, while David Unsworth, Matthew Taylor, Aliou Cisse and Richard Hughes also came into the side and Gary O’Neil passed a fitness test on an ankle injury.

Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Gallas, Terry, Bridge, Lampard, Makelele, Cole, Robben, Drogba, Duff. Subs: Kezman, Gudjohnsen, Cudicini, Jarosik, Tiago.

Portsmouth: Ashdown, Cisse, Primus, Stefanovic, Unsworth, Kamara, O’Neil, Hughes, Taylor, Berger, Yakubu. Subs: Hislop, De Zeeuw, Fuller, Curtis, Mezague.

Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire)