Chelsea striker backed by Barcelona star

Out-of-form Fernando Torres hasn't managed to justify the £50 million fee that Chelsea paid Liverpool for his services in January so far but the Spanish striker has been backed to bounce back from his nine-match goal drought by international team-mate Andres Iniesta.

The 27-year-old continued his scoreless streak when playing for his country as a half-time substitute against Czech Republic on Friday, his latest blank standing out even more as David Villa struck twice to become the world champions' all-time leading goalscorer, yet Iniesta has praised his compatriot.

He said: "Fernando is doing really well. It's clear that strikers live to score, but he gave us plenty of things which people don't see such as hard work, helping out in defence and allowing others the space to play.

"He does work which is not noticed, but it is very fundamental for the team. As for the goals, I think it's only a matter of time. He has always scored and he will continue doing so and therefore there are no problems."

Real Madrid full back Alvaro Arbeloa also tipped his former Liverpool colleague to be back to his best in no time, and Chelsea supporters will be hoping that their optimism is justified as the Blues bid to ensure that they don't end the season empty-handed after last year's double success.

The champions are [6.8] to retain the Premier League, though with nine points separating them from leaders Manchester United, they may have left their revival too late, while they are [7.6] to finally win the Champions League, an intriguing price given they appear to be in the weaker half of the draw.

As for Torres, you can bet on Betfair on when his first Premier League goal for Chelsea will come, with the home game at Wigan in two weeks rated his best opportunity to get off the mark at [2.0].

Will Chelsea win anything this season? Share your thoughts below...

Published: 28 Mar 2011

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