FERNANDO Torres looks set to be dropped for Saturday's trip to Newcastle after his drab display in last night's Carling Cup defeat to Liverpool.

Andre Villas-Boas handed the Spaniard a start in a 4-4-2 formation, but admitted he will revert to Chelsea's favoured 4-3-3 system at St James' Park.

And the Blues boss hinted Didier Drogba will spearhead his attack as they look to claw back the 10-point deficit on leaders ManchesterCity.

He said: “Fernando faces tough competition, and it's most likely at Newcastle we'll go back to 4-3-3, which is our preferred system. He still has to compete.

“At the moment Didier is showing good signs of returning but Fernando has shown that ability before.”

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