Chelsea v Birmingham


Tick Tock

By BlueBlood
January 30 2005

Chelsea take on Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge today in the FA Cup 4th Round. When the draw was made both David Sullivan and David Gold both wished they could have avoided Chelsea and both admitted that they were not looking forward to the game, from a footballing point of view.

Judging by Birmingham's lengthy injury list at the moment, will their fears be realised today? Who knows, the FA Cup is a great leveller. This is why the FA Cup is the greatest cup competition in the world.

Birmingham already bereft of Robbie Savage since his 'moody' move to Blackburn, who Chelsea play next Wednesday, will also be without Cunningham, Diao, Dunn, Lazaridis, Izzet and Johnson. Matthew Upson however returns to the squad after serving a suspension.

Chelsea however have no such injury problems. Fresh from the dramatic midweek victory at Old Trafford, expect our beloved JM to make a few changes. Jari Jarosik, our only transfer window signing so far, could be in line for a start. It has been suggested that Jarosik could go out on loan if Chelsea feel that he will not get enough games.

Also expect King Carlo, Johnson, Smertin to feature somewhere during the course of this afternoon game.

Chelsea who have won nine of their last ten games in all competitions and only conceding two goals in process, Birmingham have a tough task. But if Birmingham put in a performance similar to that at St Andrews at the start of the season, where it has to be said that Chelsea did nick it, there is always hope for the ultimate pessimist.

Probable Chelsea team:

Cudicini, Johnson, Gallas, Terry, Bridge, Makelele, Duff, Lampard, Smertin, Robben, Gudjohnsen

The draw for the 5th Round is tomorrow at 1.30pm.

 

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