With pressure mounting on Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas, the Portuguese coach will be desperate to progress past the FA Cup fifth round with a victory over Championship side Birmingham City.
The former Premier League champions are expected to field a relatively strong side at Stamford Bridge, with Frank Lampard and Raul Meireles expected to line the midfield for the Blues.
Club captain John Terry has returned to training following a bout of injury but is likely to be rested for the fixture, therefore forming a partnership of David Luis and Gary Cahill at the back.
Chris Hughton could choose Marlon King to lead the line for the Championship club with Adam Rooney relinquished to the bench.
Keith Fahey should replace Guirane N'Daw, who is likely to bow out with an injury suffered during Birmingham's 1-0 win over Portsmouth a few weeks ago.
Current form:
Chelsea: WWDDDL
Birmingham City: WWWDWD
Possible lineups:
Chelsea: Cech; Luiz, Cahill, Bertrand, Bosingwa; Essien, Lampard, Meireles, Mata; Sturridge, Torres
Birmingham City: Myhill; Davies, Caldwell, Murphy, Carr; Fahey, Mutch, Burke, Spector; Elliot, King
Sports Mole says: 1-0
