Anelka, a £13m signing from Bolton Wanderers, will either plough the lonely single-striker role or, if Avram Grant feels it necessary, provide him with a second striker in Claudio Pizarro.
Anelka, of course came on fro the final few minutes of Saturday's 2-0 win over Spurs.
With no training behind him with his new teammates, Anelka produced two pieces of play which promises much in the coming weeks.
He hit the crossbar and forced Cerny into a fine save.
Now, with a whole week in which to learn the names, Bridgy, Coley (twice) Riccy, Sidders, you get my drift, Anelka should be firing on all cylinders, and Birmingham should be aware of the fight they are going to have on their pitch.
Petr Cech should play with Alex, Carvalho and Ashley Cole and Belletti performing the defensive duties.
Frank Lamaprd should return following his thigh injury. Michael Ballack might be rested after his recent performances. Shaun Wright -Phillips could be tucked inside the midfield area with Claude Makelele and Florent Malouda making up the midfield.
Pizarro could be just behind Anelka.
What do you think will be the score?
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