Birmingham City could target a wounded Chelsea

The two teams are sitting at opposite ends of the Premier League table, but maybe this is the perfect time for Birmingham City to face Chelsea.

Alex McLeish's side have improved in recent weeks and achieved a credible draw at Manchester City last time out, so they go into Saturday's game with increased confidence despite the fact they sit in the Premier League relegation places.

Many football fans might not give Birmingham much chance of getting a result against the team leading the Premier League, but Chelsea have been struggled in recent weeks. A loss to Liverpool earlier in November was soon followed by a shock 3-0 home defeat to Sunderland last time out and Birmingham are 9/2 to heap more misery on the Blues with a win.

Carlo Ancelotti's side looked abysmal in the Sunderland game and they have been rocked this week by the news that their first-choice central defensive partnership of John Terry and Alex are both out injured long-term.

Birmingham achieved draws with Chelsea at St Andrews in 2005/06 and 2009/10, but go into this game with a major injury doubt over Craig Gardner. The former Villa man is the Blues' leading scorer this season and suffered an ankle injury against Man City that means he faces a rush against time to be fit.

Gardner has formed an impressive central midfield partnership with Barry Ferguson this season and if he misses out that could open the door for either Lee Bowyer of Alexander Hleb to come in.

Birmingham boss McLeish has issued a challenge to Hleb this week to step up after some disappointing performances so far this season. The Belarus ace has been struggling for fitness but there is no doubt that on his day the playmaker could cause huge problems for a Chelsea defence struggling for personnel and confidence. Didier Drogba is the 15/4 favourite to open the scoring, with Hleb a distant 18/1 shot to give Birmingham a huge boost with the first goal.

Chelsea relied on Branislav Ivanovic and Paulo Ferreira in central defence last time out against Sunderland in the absence of Alex and Terry, but both of those players are recognised full backs by trade. They could be caused big problems by Cameron Jerome and Nikola Zigic at St Andrews - as the Birmingham duo offer the dual dangers of pace on the floor and great ability in the air.

It is a finely balanced game with a lot at stake. Birmingham know a win could catapult themselves out of the relegation places and be a real kick-start for the busy winter period on the horizon, while a win is essential for Chelsea to ensure their Premier League title ambitions remain on track after what has been a worrying few weeks for their fans.