Ancelotti rings the changes

Carlo Ancelotti has taken an axe to his Chelsea team for what could be his final home game in charge today as they face Newcastle.

Fernando Torres, Yossi Benayoun, Josh McEachran, Alex, Nicolas Anelka and Ramires all start as Didier Drogba, David Luiz, Florent Malouda, Michael Essien, John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou were all left out of the side which effectively surrendered the Premier League title at Manchester United last weekend.

Newcastle hand rare starts to youngster Shane Ferguson and Ryan Taylor in place of captain Kevin Nolan and Cheick Tiote.

Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Cole, Ramires, McEachran, Lampard, Anelka, Benayoun, Torres.

Subs: Turnbull, David Luiz, Essien, Drogba, Mikel, Malouda, Ferreira.

Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez, Barton, Ryan Taylor, Ferguson, Shola Ameobi, Lovenkrands.

Subs: Soderberg, Smith, LuaLua, Ranger, Tavernier, Kuqi, Sammy Ameobi.

Referee: Lee Mason.