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CHELSEA vs Birmingham: FA Cup Preview

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Date: Saturday 18 February

Kick-off: 1230 GMT

 

After so much doom and gloom surrounding us lately, I’d really like to be at least a little bit optimistic about today’s game – but since I’m neither drunk or on drugs, I’ll stick to realism.

In our last five games, the only win we’ve managed was in this competition against a piss poor QPR, we were worse than useless against Everton last weekend, the players apparently can’t stand AVB and of course the press will be wanking themselves silly at the thought of us playing ‘hunt the manager’ again.

Still, looking on the bright side (ok, so I’m mildly inebri intoxi pissed writing this) at least until mid-afternoon, we’re still in both the FA Cup and Champions League, so up yours Manchester.

 

 

MANAGERS’ VIEWS

In spite of what must have been his most challenging week at Chelsea to date, Andre Villas-Boas somehow still talks the positive talk, insisting “Full focus will be needed and full determination, which will be the exact opposite of what happened against Everton.  It will be extremely good for us if we win against Birmingham to put ourselves in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.  But we need strong progression in the league and to show our strength for fourth place – as third is already 10 points ahead of us – so that we get Champions League qualification.”

Birmingham manager Chris Hughton meanwhile, clearly thinks his side can’t lose either way today, saying “This will be a massive test but, whichever way it goes, it is certainly one we will enjoy.  The plus for us is no-one expects us to win. They are the class Premier League side and we are a team doing very well in the Championship. It is important we go there and give a good account of ourselves but the pressure is certainly on Chelsea to win the game.”

 

 

SQUAD NEWS

For Chelsea, John Terry (knee) has recovered from his knee injury although is unlikely to be risked before our Champions League game. Drogba and Kalou are back, although unlikely to play today either. Ashley Cole (calf) faces a late fitness test but Ramires (knee) should be ok to return.

For Birmingham, Nikola Zigic (knee), Marlon King (groin) and Guirane N’Daw (hamstring) all miss out.

 

 

TEAM

CHELSEA (from): Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Hutchinson, Bertrand, Romeu, Mikel, Essien, Ramires, Lampard, Mata, Malouda, Meireles, Torres, Sturridge, Lukaku, Turnbull.

 

 

LAST MEETING

Chelsea 3-1 Birmingham 20th April 2011

 

 

PREDICTION

This is the sort of game I hate when it comes to the stats. Why? Well because its been nearly 33 years since Birmingham have won at Stamford Bridge yet that is exactly the sort of record we’ve looked like we’re begging to break this season. Add to that the fact that today’s opponents are already on a 13 game unbeaten run and even the most optimistic amongst us must feel a bit edgy.

Still, I’m told this one is a banker to finish 2-1 after the obligatory early goal conceded by us of course. Really??

 

 

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