Chelsea vs Birmingham

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Chelsea F.C. vs Birmingham City

Last games:

Chelsea: 2-0 (won) vs Preston

Preston 2-1 (won) vs Everton

MATCH CHAT HERE

[Rubber bullets 1,183]

When was the last time Birmingham lost? Because the way they have played it's going to be a difficult match to try and get all 3 points.

[Ray. 217]

When was the last time Birmingham lost? Because the way they have played it's going to be a difficult match to try and get all 3 points.

They lost twice in October both away games to Burnley and then to The Arse, then they have pretty much won or drawn all of their fixtures. Yes agree it will be difficult judging by this and think we will get a draw perhaps.

[Laylabelle 9,359]

Well seeing Man U are top and so forth cant afford to drop points so hopefully that spur us on a bit.Aint gana be easy they're in form but hopfully now so are we again!

[Milan 17,854]

Time to end their fantastic streak! Especially with Ars and Manure winning their games...Never be easy though. 1-0 would be great

[diskoviolente 425]

3 points is imperative.

[chrismada9 1,948]

not an easy game IMO! I even think Birmingham will score the first goal at the Bridge. And I reckon it will be a draw too.

Prediction: Chelsea 1-1 Birmingham

[BlueLion. 21,491]

To be honest, I think this can go one of two ways. The first is we get the rub of the green, fuck them over and win 4-0. The second is they steal a goal and we have a very hard match ahead of us. Whoever gets the first goal is absolutely vital.

[Laylabelle 9,359]

Said it for the last and will say it again...we need to recall Pizzaro on a one game load...or just put in a decent performance!That also help

[Toft 7]

Birmingham have an impressive unbeaten run, but it got to end sometime. We were lucky not losing against them on Boxing day, but I thought we played really well. We had more than enough chances to win the game. Also, we're in better shape than we were back then, and we're playing at Stamford Bridge and not St. Andrews. We're aware of the threat they are, so we won't underestimate them. I think we will win 2-0.

I would like to something similar to the line-up against Sunderland, only Alex in for Riccy. Any updates on Belletti and Lampards injuries?

[FL8 4]

I'm so affraid this match. We need this 3 points like never before, and opponent is very rough, they shown it in last matches, can make bad suprise...But for now, we are again on wining spree, our playing comfort is back...stay optimistic!

[Blueman 57]

I'm so affraid this match. We need this 3 points like never before, and opponent is very rough, they shown it in last matches, can make bad suprise...But for now, we are again on wining spree, our playing comfort is back...stay optimistic!

Well that is the problem right there that we get too comfortable too soon when there is nothing to get comfy about. But like you I am optimistic.

[Toft 7]

Drogba and Kalou will be back for Burnley!

[Rambo 1,729]

Come on Chels! Stuff em' at the bridge.

[Blue in NY 26]

To be honest, I think this can go one of two ways. The first is we get the rub of the green, fuck them over and win 4-0. The second is they steal a goal and we have a very hard match ahead of us. Whoever gets the first goal is absolutely vital.

Definitely agree. I'm a little worried that they'll steal the first goal due to the confidence they've been riding, but I think we're gonna play with some urgency now that we're not top anymore. Hopefully we can regain our form when we started in August and September with a big break in league matches.

[northernblue 2]

McLeish has really got B'ham playing this season, 15 games unbeaten something like that, I reckon this will be a draw 1-1

[bombayblue™ 55]

This is going to be a tough one.. Home advantage coupled with being third in the table, even with knowing we have games in hand, should be motivational enough to see us through..

[Toft 7]

Once again, Carlo has announced the starting line-up many hours before the game.

The manager's provisional line-up for Wednesday night reads:

Cech, Ivanovic, Carvalho, Terry, A Cole, Ballack, Deco, Lampard, Joe Cole, Malouda and Anelka.

I'm happy with the line-up except from Alex's absence. And I wonder who will be the defensive midfield? Deco had a great game in that role against Preston, but don't have the speed or muscles to prevent counter-attacks from Birmingham. Ballack is not fast either but he is strong enough. He featured as a defensive midfield under Hiddink with great success, and might be the best option.

Oh, and: This is the second time in a row Ancelotti announces the team on the pre-match press-conferance. Is this a new trend from Carlo's side? And does this have any effect on how Birmingham will prepare tacticly for the game?

Edited January 26, 2010 by Toft