Chelsea entertain Birmingham City in our last Premiership fixture of 2005. It’s the third of four festive fixtures and a game Chelsea should win.
Vital Quotes:
It’s not often that the quotes of those associated with Chelsea Football Club are ignored but in this case we’ll make an exception. Instead we’ll focus on a cry that will be heard in many a household this morning – ‘What time will you be home?’
With the tube network scheduled to be shut down from 12:00 hours tomorrow, due to a twenty-four hour strike, travelling home from Stamford Bridge could be a serious problem.
For those faced with somehow getting back to a rail terminus, the choice appears to be between an extortionate taxi fare, a bus ride or a long walk across London. For many, the latter will be the only choice as you can bet your last dollar that there will be a serious shortage of taxi’s and red buses. Indeed, expect it to be raining cats and dogs to make matters even more appalling.
Who’d be a football fan?
Chelsea Team News:
Chelsea should welcome Frank Lampard back into the squad after missing the game at Manchester City due to a virus. Hopefully, Frank will now set about chasing down his own incredible record of one hundred and sixty four consecutive Premiership matches.
Elsewhere it appears that Ricardo Carvalho is struggling to shake off a persistent ankle injury. Therefore, Mourinho will probably opt to stick with the central defensive partnership of John Terry and William Gallas. The back four should be completed with Asier Del Horno on the left and either Paulo Ferriera or Geremi on the right.
In midfield, expect Frank Lampard to be joined by Claude Makelele and Michael Essien as Mourinho opts for his familiar trio. Up front, Hernan Crespo is likely to start ahead of Didier Drogba as Mourinho continues his rotation policy. On the flanks will be the familiar figure of Joe Cole (if his suspension hasn’t kicked in yet) and Arjen Robben.
However, Mourinho may spring a surprise in goal and play Carlo Cudicini in place of Petr Cech. Often the ‘Special One’ has praised the merits of having two world class keepers and has mentioned that he intends to give Carlo starts other than in Carling and FA Cup fixtures.
Player to watch: Claude Makelele
Rather than plump for the man of the moment – Joe Cole, we thought we’d focus on one of the unsung heroes of the first eleven. During, what is bound to be a hectic affair, take time out to have a look at how much work the little Frenchman gets up to. Count just how many times he’ll break up the opposition’s play and how many times he sets the counter attacking play up. The little man is truely a giant in his holding role.
Birmingham City Team News:
Birmingham arrive in SW6 with Muzzy Izzet available again after suspension. However, those Chelsea supporter’s perhaps hoping to witness appearances by Mikael Forssell and Mario Melchiot can expect to be disappointed as both are injured. Up front, Steve Bruce looks likely to pair Walter Pandiani with Emile Heskey. Pandiani, in the space of a couple of days seems to have gone from villain to hero. Seemingly bound for the out door, his goal against Manchester United has resurrected a Birmingham career that was going nowhere.
Player to watch: Muzzy Izzet
The ex-Chelsea player has, since leaving Chelsea, become a regular fixture in the Premiership. Although he’s better known for his displays whilst wearing the blue of Leicester City, Muzzy still remains an influential figure in a Birmingham City side that has struggled in the Premiership this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Birmingham arrive in SW6 after earning a valuable draw against Manchester United. However, dicing with relegation is not something their owner, David Gold, will be comfortable with. Despite issuing Steve Bruce with numerous votes of confidence, the manager knows that he needs results. Last season Birmingham managed a creditable 1-1 draw after losing at St Andrews, 1-0, courtesy of a Joe Cole goal
Match Prediction:
Expect Birmingham to put up a fight as they are scrapping for their Premiership lives. However, Chelsea after racking up eight wins out of eight in the Premiership, since losing at Old Trafford, will wear them down. Expect a tight affair with Chelsea eventually winning 2-0.
Next Fixtures:
Chelsea travel to West Ham United on Monday 2nd January 2006.