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Preview: FA Cup - Birmingham vs. Chelsea

Preview: FA Cup - Birmingham vs. Chelsea
© PA Photos
Chelsea's first match since the sacking of manager Andre Villas-Boas is the FA Cup replay against Birmingham City.

Chelsea's temporary manager Roberto Di Matteo will experience his first test at the helm of the former Premier League champions following the sacking of Andre Villas-Boas.

The Blues travel to St Andrew's tomorrow for an FA Cup fifth-round replay against Birmingham City following their 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge last month.

With John Terry still sidelined through injury, David Luiz and Gary Cahill could line up in the centre of defence with John Obi Mikel and Raul Meireles holding the midfield.

Didier Drogba could be rested for this fixture, which paves the way for Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge to partner up front.

Meanwhile, Chris Hughton could rest Marlon King for the home fixture and start Nikola Zigic, who started on the bench for the Championship side in their 2-2 draw with Derby on Saturday.

Current form:

Birmingham: WDDWLD
Chelsea: DLDLWL

Possible lineups:

Birmingham: Myhill; Caldwell, Ramage, Spector, Davies; Burke, N'Daw, Huseklepp, Townsend; Mutch, Zigic

Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Cahill, Bertrand; Ramires, Mikel, Meireles, Mata; Torres, Sturridge

Sports Mole says: 2-1

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