FOOTBALL CLUB WORLD

This was another negative result for Chelsea FC. The Blues couldn't break the deadlock against Birmingham City, and the team’s Championship charge has been seriously weakened by four points from the last four away League games, all against relegation-threatened sides.

In fact, Chelsea reverted to 4-3-3 with Robben again fit. Birmingham had injuries to Clapham, Upson, Izzet, Dunn, Gray, Melchiot and Sutton, plus Jarošik was unavailable as he is on loan from Chelsea.

It was a very tough game for Mourinho's side. Drogba and Duff wasted good chances to score. Terry and Lampard completed a good performance, but that wasn't enough.

Now the closer rival, Manchester United, have their best chance to catch Chelsea on the top of the table.

Birmingham: Maik Taylor; Tebily, Cunningham (c), Martin Taylor, Sadler; Pennant, Johnson, Butt (Kilkenny 87), Clemence, DJ Campbell (Forssell 57); Heskey.

Chelsea: Cech; Ferreira, Carvalho, Terry (c), Del Horno (Crespo 64); Gudjohnsen (Essien 68), Makelele, Lampard; Robben, Drogba, Duff (J Cole 64).