Birmingham vs. Chelsea

by: Chelse Daft

How times have changed in recent weeks. A month ago we were flying high and playing well and looked formidable. A couple of niggling injuries but that was about it, and Ancelotti rotating players to keep them fresh. Now we are struggling with injuries, not playing well and to be honest in the last few games I have been saying that we will take any kind of win against sides we should be beating easily and given our form at the beginning of the season. But, something has gone wrong or something has happened in the last few weeks and today is another game where I will take any kind of win today.

What makes things worse is that after today we lose Drogba, Kalou and Mikel to the African Nations cup and Ashley Cole and Ricardo Carvalho are one booking away from a ban!

So its important that we get the three points today in what looks like a really difficult game against a Birmingham side that are on a great run of form and flying high up the table. Credit to Alex McLeish as he has done a great job so far and no doubt Birmingham will be up for the game today bigtime.

Chelsea today will be looking to a different threat to unleash on the opposition today in Daniel Sturridge. For me he looked impressive when he came on against West Ham and his pace will pose anyone problems. Today up front with Drogba could be the time for Sturridge to get on the scoresheet and hit the ground running and take his chance with both hands. With Anelka out today and against Fulham and just Drogba about today Sturridge MUST step up.

When asked about Sturridge, Carlo Ancelotti said:

"He had a problem at the start of the season because he had some injuries and lost physical condition and also his confidence. Now he had one month to work very hard and improved his physical condition and his confidence. Against West Ham he played very well and I am sure that he will do well in the next games and the future. He is very young, 20-years-old and has a lot of quality. He could be a very good played for the future of Chelsea."

At times today I expect us to be under pressure so its important when we have the ball that we play on the strength of Drogba and the pace of Sturridge. If we can get the ball to them as much as possible then the game should be ours. What we need is an early goal to settle us down. If we get an early goal then game over. If we don't we have to be patient.

But like I said I would take any kind of win once more and we look to extend our lead at the top of the Premier League to seven points before the remaining games take place.

Come on the Chels!
CAREFREE & KTBFFH EVERYONE!