Torres: To lead the Blues line

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Chelsea v Birmingham City

Chelsea’s FA Cup fifth-round clash with Birmingham City should provide them with a welcome distraction from their stuttering Premier League campaign.

The Blues have failed to win in their last four league ties and consequently dropped out of the top four, adding to the pressure on manager Andre Villas-Boas.

In team news, the west London side will be without the services of Ashley Cole (calf), Ramires (knee) and Didier Drogba, who is still on Afcon leave.

Captain John Terry could play despite his knee complaint, while Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge are expected to lead the attack.

Meanwhile, City are in good form and occupy a play-off spot in the Championship as they aim to bounce straight back up to the Premier League.

Manager Chris Hughton only has one injury concern ahead of the game. Midfielder Guirane N’Daw will sit out the tie and should be replaced by Keith Fahey.

Hughton also stated that he will not include striker Nikola Zigic in the match-day squad.