27-01-10 Chelsea vs Birmingham

Chelsea will know a win can keep them top of the table but they will expect a fight against Birmingham City, The League’s in form team.

Chelsea have looked surprisingly strong despite the departure of several key players to the African Cup of Nations. The Return of Joe Cole from a career threatening injury has injected fresh energy and creativity into the team, and Chelsea finally look like they can deliver on Abramovich’s wish for trophies and attractive attacking football. Chelsea might be light up front with Drogba on Cup of Nations duty, but Anelka always poses a threat, and with Lampard and cole pushing forward chelsea can score goals from all over the park. There is an injury concern however, over Ashley Cole, who has been in great form. The left back looks a doubt for the game.

Birmingham City continue to confound critics, and it is now fifteen games without defeat. That record could come under serious threat this week, though, as Chelsea might be one team too far. Birmingham do however have a near fully fit squad to choose from and there are no absentees from any of their first team regulars. Much of the credit for Birmingham’s remarkable charge up the table has to go to manager Alex Mcleish, and he will be hoping his motivational skill are enough to blunt the threat of Chelsea. We can expect a tight defensive performance with a tight flat back four and tight midfield, but I don’t think it will be enough to stop Chelsea.

Verdict: Home Win Chelsea

Odds: 2/9

Bookmaker: William Hill