Stamford Bridge: Home of Chelsea(credit: Leigh Copson)
Chelsea are again without Brazilian duo Alex and Ramires for tonight’s visit of Birmingham City to Stamford Bridge. (kick-off 19.45 BST)
Defender Alex and midfielder Ramires both missed the win over West Brom with hamstring injuries, and neither man have recovered in time to face Blues.
Branislav Ivanovic is doubtful for the Premier League champions after suffering a muscle strain at The Hawthorns, meaning Jose Bosingwa could be recalled into the starting XI in his absence.
Birmingham City are boosted by the return of winger Jean Beausejour from a hamstring injury, but a groin problem could rule out David Bentley.
Cameron Jerome is set to start up front again with Nikola Zigic still absent with a groin injury, and the giant Serb is joined on the sidelines Scott Dann (hamstring), Martin Jiranek (toe), James McFadden (knee) and Obafemi Martins (groin).
Last Premier League games:
West Brom 1 CHELSEA 3: Cech, Ivanovic (Bosingwa 63), Luiz, Terry, Cole, Essien, Mikel, Lampard (Benayoun 77), Kalou, Drogba (Torres 82), Malouda. Not Used: Turnbull, Zhirkov, Ferreira, Anelka.
BIRMINGHAM CITY 2 Sunderland 0: Foster, Carr, Johnson, Ridgewell, Parnaby, Larsson (Fahey 88), Ferguson, Gardner, Bowyer, Phillips (Hleb 63), Jerome (Derbyshire 90). Not Used: Doyle, Bentley, Mutch, Davies.