MX23RW : Saturday, December 14 10:09:31| >> :60:357:357:
[monks data]
- | -
Dec 13, 2012 at 10.30am UK
 
Chelsea logo

1-3

Di Nigris
FT

Team News: Rafael Benitez names strong Chelsea lineup with David Luiz in midfield

Team News: Luiz starts in midfield
© PA Photos
David Luiz moves into midfield for Chelsea's Club World Cup semi-final against Monterrey in Japan as manager Rafael Benitez fields a strong side.

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez has picked a strong side for their Club World Cup semi-final against Monterrey in Japan.

The former Liverpool boss has handed David Luiz a new role as the Brazilian moves up into midfield from his usual position in defence for the first time.

The 25-year-old has faced criticism in recent weeks for his performances in the back four but it seems that Benitez wants to see how the player can cope in a holding midfield role.

Meanwhile, Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill start at the back for the Blues, while Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard sit just behind Fernando Torres, who will lead the line for today's clash.

Chelsea: Cech; Azpilicueta, Ivanovic, Cahill, Cole; Luiz, Mikel; Mata, Oscar, Hazard; Torres

Monterrey: Orozco; Perez, Mier, Basanta, Chavez; Ayovi, Meza, Cardozo; Corona, De Nigris, Delgado.

ID:59218: cacheID:59218:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2420:
Written by
Danielle Joynson
No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea players congratulate Juan Mata after a goal on December 8, 2012
Read Next:
Match Analysis: Sunderland 1-3 Chelsea
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool14112129111835
2Chelsea1594235181731
3Arsenal1585229151429
4Manchester CityMan City158342721627
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest157441918125
6Aston Villa157442323025
7Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton156632522324
8Bournemouth157352320324
9Brentford157263128323
10Fulham156542220223
11Tottenham HotspurSpurs1562731191220
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle155551921-220
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd155461918119
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham155372028-818
15Everton143561421-714
16Leicester CityLeicester153572130-914
17Crystal Palace152761420-613
18Ipswich TownIpswich151681427-139
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1523102338-159
20Southampton1512121131-205


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!