Gray gets start for City v Blues

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce made one enforced change to his side for the visit of Chelsea to St Andrews after opening the new season with a 1-1 draw at Portsmouth.

Blues striker Mikael Forssell’s loan arrangement meant he was ineligible to play, giving Julian Gray his first start for City following his free transfer summer move from Crystal Palace.

Unlike predecessor Claudio Ranieri, new Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho resisted the temptation for change following last Sunday’s opening 1-0 victory against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge.

Ricardo Carvalho, a £20million capture from Mourinho’s former club Porto during the close season, was handed his full debut, replacing William Gallas at centre-back. The Frenchman was relegated to the bench.

Birmingham v Chelsea

Birmingham: Maik Taylor, Melchiot, Martin Taylor, Upson, Lazaridis, Johnson, Savage, Izzet, Gronkjaer, Heskey, Gray. Subs: Tebily, Bennett, John, Carter, Clemence.

Chelsea: Cech, Paulo Ferreira, Ricardo Carvalho, Terry, Bridge, Geremi, Lampard, Makelele, Smertin, Gudjohnsen, Drogba. Subs: Kezman, Cole, Gallas, Cudicini, Tiago.

Referee: B Knight (Kent)