Countdown to Chelsea – 1

Birmingham City have been nothing if not active in the transfer window so far this summer, with even the Mido deal seemingly not quite as dead in the water as we all thought it was.

So far nine players have arrived at St Andrew’s, with defenders Franck Queudrue and Liam Ridgewell the latest signings.

The debacle over Hossam Ghaly was unexpected, to say the least and it has been surprising to see that there is still a possibility that his Egyptian team-mate may yet be a Birmingham player before the end of the transfer window.

With the current length of the Mido saga though, many fans will not be holding their breath to see whether this one is finally concluded.

Meanwhile, the week ticks on and it will be interesting to see who makes the team sheet for this first and very important encounter.

The Chelsea team is currently suffering badly with injuries and Jose Mourinho was bemoaning the lack of eleven fit players, let alone sixteen. For the Community Shield last Sunday he was forced to put two goalkeepers on the bench to make up the numbers.

If there ever was a good time to play Chelsea, then this could be it – but they are still capable of causing much damage to a fledgling side. Birmingham will have to be on their mettle and be able to take advantage of any attacking opportunities over the course of the 90 minutes.