Ashley Cole back for Blues

Ashley Cole returned at left-back for Chelsea against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

The England defender recovered from a hamstring strain and was the only change from the side which beat AS Roma in the Champions League in midweek.

Liverpool’s Spanish striker Fernando Torres missed out as expected with injury but Robbie Keane, who was doubtful with a pelvic problem, was named in the starting line-up along with fellow striker Dirk Kuyt.

Chelsea: Cech, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Terry, Ashley Cole, Mikel, Kalou, Deco, Lampard, Malouda, Anelka. Subs: Cudicini, Ivanovic, Di Santo, Sinclair, Ferreira, Alex, Belletti.

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Agger, Aurelio, Alonso, Mascherano, Kuyt, Gerrard, Riera, Keane. Subs: Cavalieri, Dossena, Hyypia, Benayoun, Pennant, Babel, Leiva Lucas.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire)