Previews

Bridge to host Blues battle

Author: John Harris
Date: 27/01/2010
Football betting

On-song Premier League pair Chelsea and Birmingham City go head-to-head at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening as both outfits look to further consolidate their respective aspirations this term.

Chelsea have drifted into third place following their league absence at the weekend due to their FA Cup commitments, but with games in hand, they can return to the top of the table.

Birmingham are on an excellent 12-game unbeaten run and their resolve will be tested against Carlo Ancelotti's big-hitting side.

Chelsea beat Sunderland 7-2 in their last league game and with Nicolas Anelka hitting a hat-trick, he will be aiming to get amongst the goals once again.

Many predicted Chelsea to struggle in January with Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Michael Essien featuring in the Africa Cup of Nations, but they have continued to perform on all fronts.

With Ivory Coast now out of the competition, Drogba and Kalou will make a welcome return to the squad ahead of the important clash in the capital, but Essien will miss out after picking up an injury representing Ghana.

Chelsea are overwhelming online betting favourites to win the game but Birmingham fans may fancy a dabble on their side who are the value bet at 10/1.

Will Chelsea justify their title favourites tag and grab Premier League glory at the end of the season? - Latest Football Betting

Aston Villa and Arsenal meet in the Midlands as both look to keep their top-four challenges going.

Arsenal's form has been nothing short of sensational but with a string of injuries for boss Arsene Wenger to contend with, they may find the going tough against Martin O'Neill's classy Villans.

Sol Campbell may feature once more for the Gunners after making his return to the club in Saturday's FA Cup fourth round exit at Stoke City.

Everton welcome Sunderland to Goodison Park and David Moyes will be pleased influential midfielder Mikel Arteta is back from injury.

The Toffees have clambered themselves into tenth position after a tough start to the campaign while Steve Bruce's Black Cats are in terrible form and need to turn their run around.

Blackburn Rovers come up against Wigan Athletic at Ewood Park with the two Lancashire sides separated by just two points.

Rovers have a fine home record this term and they should be confident of adding another three points to their tally as they look to leap into the top half of the table.

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