This is possibly a top-vs.-bottom clash. Chelsea is smarting from a Charity shield loss while Birmingham gets ready their preparations for survival in this division. It is most true that Terry and Drogba would be missed and maybe to a certain extent, Ballack and Makelele too. However, truth be told, there is simply too much class in this Chelsea side to let 3 points slip them by. Record aside, a slip-up against the likes of Birmingham is as good as handling the title to their rivals surely. Even against a near full-strength Manchester United, a forward-less Chelsea troubled their opponents enough.

Birmingham has brought in a number of new faces. However whether they could cut it at this level still remains to be seen. Transfers of more established players such as Parnaby, Ridgewell and Quedrue does not exactly excite anyone either. McSheffrey should pose the greatest threat against Chelsea but even without Terry, I would still fancy Chelsea to keep a clean sheet here.

All in all, class should tell come the end of 90 minutes and Chelsea should put to rest any doubts of their title challenge by registering another win at home as they have last season when they won 12 at home, drawing the other 7. Chelsea to win 2-0.



Pick : Chelsea -1.5
Odds : 1.82
Stake : 8 / 10
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