Pressure on Chelsea at Top of Premier League

Chelsea could be dislodged from their perch atop of the Premier League table for the first time this season come kick off in their match against Birmingham at St Andrews.

Should Arsenal take all three points from their north London derby against Tottenham then The Gunners will replace Carlo Ancelotti’s side at the summit of English football. Following last Sunday’s surprise 3-0 defeat to Sunderland Chelsea are a team under pressure for the first time this season.

John Terry and Alex have this week both been ruled out for several months and will join other key players Frank Lamaprd (leg) and Michael Essien (suspended) on the sidelines. With Didier Drogba also playing on despite a recent bout of malaria Ancelotti is working with a squad that is someway short of full strength.

The bookmakers have Chelsea at a shade of odds on to bounce back from last week’s loss, 4/6 being the generally available price. Birmingham are showing the early symptoms of a severe case of second season syndrome and are struggling to replicate last season’s form, a repeat of last year’s 0-0 draw against the Champions would certainly be a welcome point for manager Alex McLeish.

Manchester United can go level on points with Chelsea if The Blues lose at St Andrews. Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that Wayne Rooney could take up a place on the bench after returning from his rehabilitation program in the US.

"I don't think he'll start tomorrow,'' Ferguson said.  "Maybe he will reach the bench. But he will certainly play on Wednesday against Rangers.''

Although United have won six and drawn two in Rooney’s absence recent disappointing performances against Manchester City and Aston Villa suggest that The Red Devils could do with getting their talisman back sooner rather than later.

United are priced at 1/4 to take all three points from this weekend’s home tie against Wigan with Rooney available to back at around even money to make a goalscoring return to the side.