English Premier League
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| The Barclays English Premier League (EPL), considered as the best in the world. |
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Chelsea now sit third in the Premier League table behind Manchester United and Arsenal. A win against Birmingham could put them back on top. Birmingham manager Alex McLeish and his men are on a rip-roaring fifteen game undefeated streak and now sit 8th in the league. A victory against Chelsea could move them to 7th, even with rivals Aston Villa.
Chelsea’s Nicolas Anelka got his first FA Cup goal of the season while Daniel Sturridge got his third as Chelsea cruised to an FA Cup 4th Round victory over Preston on Saturday. In the league Chelsea are now 3rd behind Manchester United and Arsenal, although the separation between the Blues and the Gunners is based on games played; Chelsea still have a game in hand.
On Wednesday, however, Chelsea face Birmingham City, a club growing in confidence through a fine undefeated run of fifteen games.
Birmingham City FC vs Chelsea FC
They enjoyed a great 1st half in their FA Cup 4th Round match against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday. Barry Ferguson and Lee Bowyer in particular worked hard to control the midfield and Ferguson even scored Birmingham's 2nd goal. Their second half was less stellar, yielding control to Everton for vast stretches. But Birmingham’s defense is nothing if not cohesive and it is due primarily to their defensive back line of Dann, Ridgewell and Johnson that they have gone so long without a loss.
Up front young Jake Jervis made his first team debut as a sub against Everton, and although he didn’t score, his play was characterized by a physical presence that showed promise for the robust atmosphere of the Premier League.
