Torres The Blue

Fernando Torres’s first game for Chelsea against his former club Liverpool will inspire the usual array of debut ‘special’ bets. So far SkyBet are staying traditional with odds available on him scoring once (11/10), twice (6/1), thrice (33/1), getting booked (3/1) or sent off (20/1). Hard to see too much value there with the least off-putting price being the dullest option, that of the yellow card.

After his press conference in which he stated that he probably wouldn’t celebrate a goal against the Reds all eyes will be on whether he keeps to his word. Does a wry smile or a clenched fist constitute a celebration? Or was ‘Nando’ only suggesting that a full-on strip and dive into the home fans was unlikely? Either way the chances of that yellow card bet coming off aren’t helped by a man vowing to be dignified after scoring. I suspect that any goal and reaction from the former Anfield idol will be too much for Reds’ fans to cope with. Unless Torres goes so far as to look genuinely annoyed with himself for being so insensitive the away fans are likely to be hurt by the betrayal.

In other related news Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan has apologised for expressing apparent delight for Andy Carroll getting a dream move to Liverpool - a team Nolan supported as a boy, and, I daresay, is still rather keen on today. Toon fans felt that being “delighted” for the striker joining such a “fantastic club” was inappropriate. No bookie is yet to offer odds on Nolan doing his infamous chicken dance if Torres is kept at bay on Sunday.