Birmingham could restore Lee Bowyer to their starting line-up. Craig Gardner is struggling with an ankle injury, which he suffered against Manchester City, and Bowyer is standing by to take his place. Manager Alex McLeish will examine a specialist's report before deciding whether to play former Aston Villa midfielder Gardner. McLeish was awaiting the return of a number of his international players before deciding on their fitness. Chelsea are without captain John Terry but Brazilian defender Alex is available. Terry has had treatment in Italy for a nerve problem in his right leg but is not ready to play against City. However, Alex who still requires surgery on a knee problem, will start. Midfielder Yury Zhirkov misses out through a calf injury. Florent Malouda will take his place on the left-side of midfield. Michael Essien sits out the second match of his three-game ban. Birmingham (from): Carr, Murphy, Bowyer, Johnson, Ridgewell, Larsson, Gardner, Jerome, Ferguson, Doyle, Dann, Madera, Fahey, Zigic, Valles, Parnaby, Beausejour, O'Shea, Foster, Redmond, Jiranek, Phillips. Chelsea (from): Cech, Bosingwa, Ivanovic, Alex, Obi, Ramires, Drogba, Anelka, Kalou, Malouda, Turnbull, Van Aanholt, McEachran, Borini, Bruma, Ferriera, Sturridge, Kakuta, Cole.
