Chelsea V West Bromwich Albion

Date & Kick-Off: Saturday, 20th August – 17:30 GMT

Venue: Stamford Bridge

TV Coverage: LIVE on ESPN

Preview - Like lambs to the slaughter – just one way of describing how the West Brom team might be feeling ahead of Saturday’s daunting visit to Stamford Bridge. The Baggies have a truly awful record both in West London and against Chelsea in general – they’ve lost all ten of their contests in the Premier League, by a staggering aggregate of 3-29 – and so avoiding another mauling looks an immense task in itself for West Bromwich manager Roy Hodgson.

However, the Blues won’t have convinced many with their performance on the opening weekend away at Stoke. The Potters are always incredibly difficult to beat on their own patch but Chelsea, if their title aspirations are to be realised, really have to be beating just about everyone whose name doesn’t begin with ‘Manchester’. Fernando Torres dazzled, John Obi Mikel excelled under testing circumstances (his father has reportedly been abducted), but apart from those two it was an ordinary display from the 2009/2010 champs, who rarely troubled Asmir Begovic in the Stoke goal.

One man who knows all about making teams difficult to beat is 64-year-old former Fulham and Liverpool tactician Roy Hodgson, whose West Brom outfit almost held the defending champions, Manchester United, to a 1-1 draw at The Hawthorns last Sunday only for an 81st minute Steve Reid own goal to spoil all their previous hard work in the game. Nevertheless, an encouraging display from The Baggies, who have lost just three of their thirteen Premiership matches under Hodgson (W5 D5 L3) but are still leaking goals like a sieve; it’s now two clean sheets in 39 top-flight games for a defence which shipped 71 goals last season, nine of which were netted by Chelsea.

It is a cliché, however the writing does appear on the wall with this one. Chelsea have trampled all over West Brom during the Premier League era – ten wins from their ten clashes, averaging almost 3 goals per-meeting – and although the Baggies have improved tenfold under Roy Hodgson, the defence is still their problem area and I fully expect Andre Villas-Boas’ charges to exploit that on Saturday, in particular a rejuvenated Fernando Torres who is set to once again reduce Didier Drogba, the Ivorian who has eight goals in seven league appearances against this opponent, to bench duty.

Chelsea Fact: The Blues have lost just one of their previous twelve Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge (W8 D3 L1).

West Brom Fact: Only Blackpool (78) conceded more goals in the league last season than West Brom (71), who also had the second poorest away defence to boot (41).

Betting - It really ought to be one-way traffic, but Roy Hodgson has turned West Brom’s fortunes right around during the six-months he’s been there, in particular in making the team more competitive against the big boys. His biggest scalp last season was his former club Liverpool, though he also claimed eye-catching draws with Arsenal at The Hawthorns and Tottenham at White Hart Lane, so perhaps it would be foolish to write off the Baggies.

The statistics, though, do speak for themselves: Chelsea have won all ten of their Barclay’s Premier League encounters, scoring 29 goals and conceding just 3 in return. Moreover, West Brom have never even found the back of the Stamford Bridge nets during their Premier League visits, yet Chelsea have done so 17 times, including hitting the Baggies for six last season, almost a year to the day ago in fact.

However, news that Chelsea are likely to be without goalkeeper Petr Cech for around a month has come as a blow. It means 35-year-old Hilario will deputise between the sticks for the visit of West Brom. John Obi Mikel has made himself available though, despite his father’s abduction back in his home country of Nigeria. Fernando Torres should keep his place in the team after impressing at Stoke last weekend, as could Bosingwa at left-back, however Ghanian midfielder Michael Essien is still a long-term absentee.

Baggies manager Roy Hodgson is at least hopeful of having the club’s prized asset, Nigerian striker Peter Odemwingie, who scored 15 times in his debut campaign last season in what was a new club record for a single season tally in the Premier League, fit. Odemwingie is nursing an ankle injury and, in all likelihood, will probably have to settle for a place on the bench as summer signing Shane Long continues to strut his stuff up top, on his lonesome, in a 4-4-1-1 formation which could see Somen Tchoyi keep his place after the problems the Cameroon international caused United last weekend. Winger Jerome Thomas is also a doubt.

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 3/10 WilliamHill
Draw – 9/2 Bet365
West Brom – 11/1 Boylesports

Verdict - Stoke made the pitch as narrow as possible at the Brittania on Sunday and didn’t allow the Chelsea players to settle when in possession, not even at the back. The Potters pressed all over the pitch, even their strikers worked tirelessly. West Brom will have to do the very same if they’re to leave Stamford Bridge with anything to show for themselves, and I cannot see them doing that, not for the full 90 minutes at a ground where Chelsea will play with more freedom and confidence.

I hate to say it, but this could be any number. The Baggies are still conceding too many goals, plus I don’t see them troubling a Chelsea defence which kept eleven clean sheets at home in the league last season, not even with Hilario between the sticks.

Match Prediction: Chelsea WIN – 3/10 WilliamHill
Value Bet: Chelsea to win by 4 or more goals – 11/2 888Sport

 
In terms of sheer volume, nothing will compare to the amount of money placed on the ‘To Win the Premier League’ and ‘To Be Relegated’ markets in England; however, few would argue that the Top Goalscorer market provides punters with a broader, more extensive field that in turn should enhance your odds of landing a tasty winner.

There is an almost endless list of potential winners – depending on how open-minded you are, while the numerous factors that enter into the equation when choosing your idea of a possible Barclay’s Premier League Top Goalscorer only adds to the intrigue. Are they at a club with an attacking philosophy – so Man Utd’s Wayne Rooney, perhaps? Will they continually get high-quality service that will bolster their chances of locating the back of the net – well how about aerial supremo Andy Carroll? Or are they even automatic starters? You may as well throw a blanket over the entire Man City strikeforce with that last one.

Last season, the Barclay’s Golden Boot was shared by Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez and Manchester United’s Dimitar Berbatov, with the pair each scoring 20 league goals. The Manchester duo were head-and-shoulders above the rest, however the scintillating form of Robin Van Persie in the second half of the campaign; Javier Hernandez‘s quite remarkable scoring exploits for champions Manchester United in only the Mexican’s first full season in England; the prospect of the likes of Andy Carroll, Edin Dzeko and Fernando Torres all getting a full season to show-off their scoring credentials with their new clubs, as well as the summer addition of Sergio Aguero for big-spending Man City which makes the 2011-2012 battle for Golden Boot supremacy by far the most exciting yet.

So, whose scoring ability will you put your faith in?

Leading Contenders

Javier Hernandez (17/2 BetFred) – The 23-year-old Mexican starlet caught everyone by surprise last season with his goalscoring exploits. Likened to his United team-mate Michael Owen for his electric pace, intelligent runs and, more poignantly, his predatory instincts inside the opposition’s box, is it any wonder punters have been quick to snap up any odds on ‘Chicharito’ continuing where he left off last season, which was scoring pivotal goals for Sir Alex and United. Furthermore, he topped the scoring charts for Mexico at the CONCACAF Gold Cup during the summer. So, with confidence booming, will he add the Barclay’s Golden Boot to his scoring awards haul?

Wayne Rooney (9/1 WilliamHill) – Although he did play his part in helping Manchester United clinch a record 19th English League title, the 2010-2011 term was one Rooney would probably rather forget than saviour, both for reasons on and off the pitch. On it, the England forward could only manage a somewhat miserly return of 11 league goals; however, his form in the latter stages of the season improved considerably, but was it enough for punters to start taking the 2009-2010 runner-up seriously again?

Fernando Torres (10/1 Boylesports) – He was the fastest ever player to score 50 league goals during his time at Liverpool, where he was adored. Now ‘El Nino’ is merely the butt of most pundits’ jokes. The formerly free-scoring Spaniard completed his high-profile £50m switch to Chelsea from Merseyside in January but could only repay Blues owner Roman Abramovich with one goal in eighteen appearances during the second half of last season. I’m assured by virtually everyone in the punditry world that Torres will come good this season, and you have my word that he will fare better in his first full season at Stamford Bridge – though that’s only because he’ll have twice as many games to better the solitary goal he managed against relegated West Ham.

Robin Van Persie (10/1 VictorChandler) – One of just a select few to shine for Arsenal during a typically frustrating campaign where the Gunners yet again underachieved. Van Persie, to put it bluntly, simply could not stop scoring. The 27-year-old Dutchman set a new Premier League record when he scored in nine consecutive away matches – an incredible streak he could yet extend when the 2011/2012 season commences, while he finished with stunning figures of 18 from just 25 league appearances, after missing crucial early months of the season through injury. Provided he stays away from the treatment room, Van Persie, a player who possess arguably the deadliest left-foot in the English top-flight, should be a serious player once more in the scoring stakes.

Carlos Tevez (14/1 PaddyPower) – There’s no doubt he’s an exceptionally talented footballer, a mysterious creature who has an interesting knack of scoring goals on a regular basis, but Argentine Tevez seems to spend more time in the headlines for the wrong reasons than for his on-pitch marvels. Almost the entire build-up to the new term has centred around the Manchester City striker and his decision to push through a transfer elsewhere – he isn’t entirely bothered where, just so long as it’s to a club outside of gloomy England. Anyway, after a move to his former club Corinthians fell through, Citizens chief Roberto Mancini could well start the season with Tevez in his ranks after all, although, will last season’s Barclay’s Golden Boot winner (scoring 20 league goals) be in the right frame of mind to score the goals that would keep him atop of the striking pecking order at City (He is now competing with Edin Dzeko, Mario Balotelli and Sergio Aguero for a regular starting place), and, crucially, will he even last the whole season at Eastlands?

Darren Bent (14/1 PaddyPower) – Recent spells at first Sunderland, where he scored 32 goals in 58 appearances for the Black Cats, and then Aston Villa, scoring nine times from January onwards after completing his highly-charged switch from Wearside to Birmingham with the Villians, has propelled Darren Bent into the England set-up where he is now a regular starter up top. His ability to read the play better than any forward I know enables him to score so many seemingly straightforward goals, but it is a skill he has mastered and the main reason why Villa shelled out somewhere in the region of £23m for his prolific scoring services. The loss of wingmen Stewart Downing and Ashley Young could put a serious dent in his Golden Boot chances, but then again this is a forward with serious goalscoring pedigree.

Luis Suarez (14/1 Bet365) – Prolific during his three-years in Holland with Amsterdam giants Ajax, Luis Suarez arrived in England – signing for Liverpool in January in a deal that will keep him on Merseyside until 2016 – with a renowned reputation for scoring goals routinely. He hasn’t quite fulfilled his potential in that respect, after finding the net just four times in the second half of last term, but his performances as soon as he put on that famous No.7 shirt – previously worn by his manager, Kenny Dalglish – were electric and he continued in the same vein at the 2011 Copa America in Argentina, securing the Player of the Tournament and Top Goalscorer awards en route to to lifting the trophy itself with Uruguay.

Sergio Aguero (16/1 VictorChandler) – Bought in as a direct replacement for Carlos Tevez, or so it would seem, Aguero arrives in England seemingly carrying the world on his shoulders, well aware that just about every City supporter naturally expects him to fill Tevez’s large boots – and you’d expect nothing less from the fans, after all, the club did shell out in excess of £40m to acquire the former Atletico Madrid forward. A former club team-mate of Fernando Torres, the 23-year-old Argentine international amassed 74 goals during his five-year stay in Spain at the Vicente Calderon. Some believe he may need some time to adapt to not only the style of English football but also his new surroundings, but I reckon ‘Kun’ Aguero may surprise a few this season, in scoring more goals than many people initially envisage.

Didier Drogba (20/1 Coral) – It is sometimes easy to forget that Chelsea’s Ivorian forward has already entered into the twilight of his career, but that’s only because the 33-year-old keeps himself in such prime, physical shape. He’s an intimidating figure to look at in the flesh; a real powerhouse of a frame that would make any opposing defender quiver with fear. The arrival of Fernando Torres in January not only brought competition for a starting berth at Stamford Bridge but also friction, according to media reports, and ever since the Spaniard touched down in West London, Drogba just hasn’t been the same player. However, you’d be foolish to rule out his chances of topping the scoring charts yet again; after all, this is a two-time Barclay’s Golden Boot winner we’re talking about, finishing with figures of 29 goals in 2009-2010 alone.

Andy Carroll (22/1 WilliamHill) – He became the most expensive Englishman in history when Liverpool paid a cool £35m for his unique services back in January, completing his switch from Newcastle on the very last day of the winter transfer market. While at Newcastle, during the first half of the campaign, Carroll scored 11 times, including the final goal in a 3-1 triumph over Liverpool at St James’ in December, and was a genuine contender for top goalscorer before injury sidelined him for several months. His 6ft 3in powerful frame makes him a prominent threat in the air at every given opportunity, and it would appear Reds boss Dalglish has built a team around the England international, with this Liverpool team now packed to the rafters with creative outlets, which includes summer acquisitions Charlie Adam and Stewart Downing.

Mario Balotelli (25/1 SkyBet) – A troubled sort who can never seem to do anything right. Perhaps he should do something right for a change, then? Nonetheless, for all his quirky qualities, Italian Mario is an endearing sort, for perhaps the wrong reasons it has to be said, because there are some out there who like me desperately want to see this bad boy turn good, and by good we mean fulfil his potential and score the goals that would justify his obvious ability. If he could refrain from acting like an 8-year-old brat all the time and transfer all that pent-up energy into helping his side win games, City would have a lethal player on their hands. As it is, a lot are still to be convinced, hence his alluring odds.

Dimitar Berbatov (25/1 Bet365) – It is crazy to see last season’s joint-winner at such massive odds. I was lucky enough to take a chance on the Bulgarian last term – I was probably the only punter to do so, and was rewarded with odds of 40/1 courtesy of the generous folk at PaddyPower, although that became 20/1 with the dead-heat rules. Few actually question his ability, however just about everyone criticises his lack of effort in matches, but even the latter, an obvious flaw in his game, improved ten-fold last season, yet not even more miles on the pitch and 20 goals was enough for him to nail down a regular place in Sir Alex’s XI. I’m afraid the signs are ominous for Berbatov, with Hernandez starting every big game in the closing stages of last season.

Edin Dzeko (33/1 PaddyPower) – This lad can finish, whether it be via his head or his feet. Don’t let his dismal figures during the second half of last season fool you. And at gigantic odds of 33/1, the Bosnian, who City paid German club Wolfsburg £27m for, is certainly worth a dabble in a Manchester City team that will create a lot more going forward than they did last season. The one notable concern is whether he will command a spot in Mancini’s starting XI, especially should Carlos Tevez not secure the move away from England that he craves.

The Rest: Gervinho 33/1 (Bet365), Jermaine Defoe 40/1 (PaddyPower), Rafael Van Der Vaart 50/1 (bWin), Asamoah Gyan 66/1 (VictorChandler), Peter Odemwingie 66/1 (bWin), Demba Ba 66/1 (bWin), Frank Lampard 66/1 (Coral), Bobby Zamora 66/1 (Boylesports), Dirk Kuyt 66/1 (Bet365), Jermaine Beckford 80/1 (PaddyPower)

Facts & Figures

The current holders of the Barclay’s Golden Boot are Manchester City’s Carlos Tevez and Manchester United’s Dimitar Berbatov, with the pair ending the 2010-2011 campaign with 20 league goals each.

No Englishman has ended the season as leading goalscorer in the Premier League since Kevin Phillips, then of Sunderland, back in 1999-2000; the award has been won by a foreign player in each of the eleven seasons since.

Only three players (Cristiano Ronaldo, Kevin Phillips and Thierry Henry) have scored 30 goals or more in a single season since 1996 – when the number of clubs competing in the Premier League was reduced to 20 from 22 meaning seasons lasted 38 games instead of the original 42.

Since the Premier League was formed in 1992, every eventual winner of the Premier League Golden Boot has scored a minimum of 18 goals.

Chelsea V Birmingham City

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 20 April 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Stamford Bridge

After morale-boosting wins at the weekend, Chelsea and Birmingham will meet at Stamford Bridge in high spirits both aiming to build on encouraging streaks – Chelsea are currently unbeaten in seven in the league whereas Birmingham are without defeat in their last three. However, understandably the bookies are favouring a seemingly rejuvenated Chelsea in a fixture which up until November of last year, when Birmingham secured their first ever Barclay’s Premier League victory over the Londoners at the fifteenth time of asking, they have dominated.

Apart from the fact Chelsea’s record is so formidable against Birmingham in the Premier League, the West Londoners are also, according to all the national newspapers, back in this title race. I’m not so sure. Eight-points currently separates Carlo Ancelotti’s Blues from Sir Alex’s Reds, which basically means that if Chelsea are to successfully defend their crown – against all the odds it would seem, as the 2009/2010 Premier League champions are a best-priced 15.00 (14/1) with Totesport to retain their crown – then they must win all six of their remaining league games. Even then favours elsewhere are needed, though encouragement can be had from the fact Chelsea are still to visit Old Trafford while United will travel to the Emirates to face Arsenal on 1 May.

While Chelsea have a clear incentive, don’t be fooled into thinking Birmingham have nothing to play for. Alex McLeish’s men may be unbeaten in their last three games – registering a healthy seven points following home wins over Bolton and Sunderland, as well as a creditable away draw with Blackburn – however they are by no means out of this relegation wood just yet and require one more victory from their remaining fixtures in order to quash any fear or anxiety regarding relegation back to the nPower Championship.

Birmingham may even feel that they hold all the aces, after it was they who came out on top when the two teams clashed at St Andrews back in November. However, back then Chelsea were in a right mess – although they still carved out numerous opportunities and should never have lost that game – and Wednesday’s outfit will be a different proposition altogether; a team who have now gone an impressive seven league games without defeat, winning five including three on the spin in London.

A hot topic of debate has been Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to revert back to the old and trusted 4-3-3 formation with Didier Drogba spearheading the attack instead of a misfiring Torres, who came closest yet to ending his torrid spell in front of goal when prodding into an empty net at the weekend only to see his effort ruled out for offside, as it worked a treat on Saturday as Chelsea stormed back from 1-0 down at The Hawthorns to overcome a confident, in-form West Brom 3-1 in the Midlands in eye-catching style. Momentum is so often key in title races, so I expect the Italian to stick rather than twist on this occasion, something he hasn’t done enough of in recent weeks.

David Luiz should also return to the back-four, that despite Alex’s return from injury. Ramires is the only doubt for Ancelotti ,with the Brazilian missing at the weekend with a muscular problem but should be available for Wednesday’s affair.

As for Birmingham, it would be no great surprise to see two banks of four try to protect Ben Foster’s clean sheet for as long as humanely possible. With Drogba playing as though he has a point to prove, Malouda and Kalou as well to some degree, as well as Lampard looking something like his former self on Saturday, a Birmingham clean sheet would appear a long-shot. And in terms of scoring past Chelsea shot-stopper Petr Cech, that too will prove a stiff ask for the visitors who have failed to score in nine of their fifteen Premier League meetings with the west London club. 

Alex McLeish is still without long-term absentee Scott Dann while forward duo Obafemi Martins and Nikola Zigic are unlikely to make the trip to Stamford Bridge because of groin problems.

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Head-to-Head (Premier League)

Chelsea wins: 7
Draws: 5
Birmingham wins: 1

Last 5 Seasons

2010/2011: Birmingham 1-0 Chelsea
2009/2010: Chelsea 3-0 Birmingham
2009/2010: Birmingham 0-0 Chelsea
2007/2008: Birmingham 0-1 Chelsea
2007/2008: Chelsea 3-2 Birmingham

Streaks & Trends

Birmingham won their very first Premiership encounter with Chelsea at the fifteenth time of asking – midfielder Lee Bowyer scoring the only goal of the game when the two teams met at St Andrews back in November, 2010.

Birmingham have only ever scored two goals at home against Chelsea in the Premier League, and just five goals overall.

Chelsea midfielder Florent Malouda has scored in both Stamford Bridge meetings with Birmingham.

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Chelsea to WIN – 1.22 WilliamHill

On their day, Birmingham can be a real nuisance to break down. Unfortunately, these ‘days’ of theirs tend only to occur at St Andrews. Away at Arsenal they were beaten 2-1 while their heaviest defeat of the season thus far came away at Old Trafford against Manchester United (5-0). To top it off, their record against Chelsea in the Premier League era is abysmal.

Chelsea shook off their Champions League cobwebs with a fine performance and victory at the weekend, comfortably beating West Brom 3-1 to extend their unbeaten run in the league to seven. Now they go in search of their fourth win on the spin at Stamford Bridge, one which would keep alive hopes of retaining their title. Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba both played on Saturday as though they had found a new lease of life, so hopefully Ancelotti names an unchanged team. If so, I don’t see Birmingham getting in their way of securing maximum points.

Value Bet: Frank Lampard & Didier Drogba both to score – 4.00 SkyBet

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 1.22 WilliamHill
Draw – 6.50 Bet365
Birmingham City – 17.00 VictorChandler

Chelsea V Manchester United

Date & Kick-Off: Wednesday, 6 April 2011 – 19:45 (GMT)
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TV Coverage: ITV1

We have a repeat billing of the 2008/2009 final as Chelsea and Manchester United, whom have dominated English football for the best part of the last decade, go hammer-and-toe for only the second ever time in Champions League history.

Inter Milan or Schalke will be waiting in the wings for the winner, so a favourable semi-final draw is the ultimate reward for the aggregate victor of this scrumptuous contest between two teams who when placed on a football pitch, simply do not like one another.

The last time these two came to blows was in the 2008/2009 final, in a match where unsurprisingly the pair couldn’t be separated – after strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo and Frank Lampard ensured the score finished 1-1 at full-time – and an unforgettable penalty shoot-out would then ensue. United edged that one 6-5 to lift the coveted trophy aloft for the third time, but will Chelsea exact their revenge over two legs? Their record at Stamford Bridge against The Red Devils is imperious, which is where the opening leg will be played and where Chelsea are hoping to steal a march on their fierce rivals as the two begin their battle for a Last-4 berth.

Match odds:

Chelsea – 2.20 WilliamHill
Draw – 3.30 bWin
Manchester United – 3.90 Unibet

To Qualify odds:

Chelsea – 1.85 SportingBet
Manchester United – 2.00 Bet365

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Chelsea

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League - 7.50 Boylesports

If there was ever one defeat, one match which still hurts to this very day, the 6-5 loss to United on penalties in the 2008/2009 Champions League final is Chelsea’s. This, of course, is a club who have made no secret of their desire to win Europe’s most sought-after prize; just about the only major trophy club owner Roman Abramovich hasn’t managed to get his hands on, so that bitter night in Moscow still scars the West London club, even to this very day.

Following their 1-1 draw with Stoke City at the weekend, these next two clashes with United in Europe have basically become two individual cup finals for Chelsea. The FA Cup is definitely out of the question while the same can almost be said for the Premier League, with the Blues now eleven-points adrift of Sir Alex’s men after dropping two crucial points on Saturday.

Fortunately for the supporters, whom have had to endure one of the most frustrating of seasons for quite some time, Chelsea’s record at home to United is impeccable. The previous ten meetings at Stamford Bridge have produced six wins and four draws for the Blues, who also won the most recent encounter at the Bridge 2-1, when goals from David Luiz, who is ineligable for Wednesday having played for Benfica earlier in the campaign, and a Frank Lampard spot-kick helped them come from behind in last month’s gripping contest.

Chelsea may be in red-hot form against The Red Devils but one player who has barely even broken a sweat in recent weeks has been Fernando Torres. The Spaniard is STILL to score his first goal for the club since completing his £50M move from Liverpool in January, and the pressure is well and truly on him after Didier Drogba’s improved displays of late; the Ivorian scoring the equalising goal on Saturday which helped to spare Chelsea’s blushes at The Brittania, but the strike was seemingly not enough to keep alive what were already slim hopes of retaining their league title.

So it’s now or never for Carlo Ancelotti and his beleaguered charges, with the crazy prospect of ending the season without silverware – this the team which completed a league and cup double last term – very much a reality should they not make a winning start on Wednesday.

Manchester United

To win 2010/2011 UEFA Champions League - 9.00 Totesport

Well-placed to become the first club in history to complete the treble for a second occasion, Manchester United will arrive at Stamford Bridge, what is normally a troublesome venue for them, in buoyant mood and probably even feeling a little relaxed after enjoying one of their finest weekend’s of the season thus far.

Not only did they come from 2-0 down to win 4-2 at Upton Park on Saturday to stun a battling West Ham, their main rivals for the title all slipped up allowing them to further stretch their lead at the summit and increase the likelihood of them ending the term with something worth celebrating. Sir Alex’s men are now seven-points clear of Arsenal and a further eleven in front of a now distant Chelsea, with the Blues facing up to the prospect of a barren season without a trophy and will definitely be the team more under the cosh on Wednesday.

There are, though two significant negatives for United in that their record in the West of London is extremely poor while some of the momentum which has been gained from their stunning comeback victory over West Ham on Saturday was lost courtesy of the FA’s decision to dish out a two-match ban to Wayne Rooney. The fired-up United striker is readily available for Wednesday’s match but will miss important forthcoming domestic games with Fulham in the league as well as the all-Manchester semi-final in the FA Cup.

Furthermore, not since April of 2002 have United come away from Stamford Bridge with a priceless away victory over the Blues. So The Red Devils will need to go some if they’re to end their fast-approaching ten-year hoodoo at The Bridge. On the plus side, Edwin Van der Saar, Rafael, Rio Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher are all closing in on a return to first-team football and could feature in Wednesday’s crunch clash.

Oh, and we almost forgot to add that this United team boast one of the strongest away records in the competition, having yet to taste defeat in any of their four away contests thus far (W2 D2 L0), nor concede a goal for that matter.

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Betting

Match Prediction: Chelsea to WIN – 2.20 WilliamHill

Rarely do contests between Chelsea and Man Utd live up to all the hype, and this one is unlikely to be the exception to the rule.

United will be more than happy to take a point away from their visit to the West of London, where they haven’t won since April 2002, and will probably adopt their usual 4-5-1 formation with Wayne Rooney roaming about up top, making a nuisance of himself as per usual. The onus will be on Chelsea to set the tempo, basically take this opening leg to the visitors, whom caused them plenty of problems in the first-half of last month’s meeting at The Bridge.

There is never a lot to choose between the two when they clash at Stamford Bridge; in fact, United have failed to even score on seven of their last ten visits.

Chelsea’s confidence and momentum took a battering at the weekend with their 1-1 draw with Stoke, whereas United will be buoyed by the fact they stormed back from 2-0 down away to West Ham to win 4-2 but also that others in close proximity slipped up. Even so, this precise competition is the one Chelsea are desperate to get their hands on, while it’s seemingly the only trophy they can get their hands on now that they’ve fallen by the wayside in the league, so I’m backing the hosts to sneak ahead in the tie with a narrow home victory.

Value Bet: Chelsea 2-1 (Correct Score) – 9.00 PaddyPower

This was the precise score when the two went toe-for-toe in West London last month, and the final score on Wednesday shouldn’t be too dissimilar. With Rooney back to something like his best at the weekend, United should be good for a goal, but Chelsea should ultimately win this first leg outright. Heck, they have to, in my opinion, if they’re to stand any chance of progressing.

More information:
SoccerBet

Bolton Wanderers V Chelsea

Monday, 24th January – 20:00 (GMT)
Venue: Reebok Stadium
TV Coverage: Sky Sports HD1

Bolton Wanderers

It is set to be an emotional evening on Monday night as Bolton Wanderers unite to mourn the passing of a legend, Nat Lofthouse. The Bolton-born forward spent his entire footballing career as a Trotter and averaged better than a goal every-other-game, scoring 255 times as he made 452 appearance for the Greater Manchester club.

Not to make light of the situation, but if the great man himself were still with us then I wouldn’t have written off his chances of doning a Bolton shirt at The Reebok on Monday, as I’m sure Owen Coyle could do with a forward of his pedigree against the Barclay’s Premier League champions. The Trotters have failed to score in all of their previous seven home encounters with the Blues, 2003 the year Bolton last recorded a win over the London outfit – though their last triumph over the Blues on home soil was way back in 1997.

Owen Coyle, though, firmly believes his side are capable of ending their dismal run against the Londoner’s on Monday despite the fact his team will tackle one of the strongest teams in Europe, albeit on a bit of a downer themselves, on the back of a disappointing run of form. The Trotters have won just two of their last eight league contests since the beginning of December, not to mention suffering three defeats in their last four league games.

It should be a charged atmosphere inside what is likely to be a capacity Reebok stadium, fans and players alike doing their very best to give Lofthouse the send off he fully deserves. Just one defeat at home all season – An undeserved 1-0 loss against Liverpool on 31st October, and unbeaten in their six home matches in the Premier League, seven in all competitions, means all the basic ingredients are there for a spectacular evening.

The hectic festive period proved a nightmare for Owen Coyle, the Bolton manager barely filling the bench on several occasions such was the extensive list of absentee’s at Bolton. Unfortunately, Coyle still finds himself scorn of several key players; Ivan Klasnic and Gretar Steinsson both doubts with injuries while South Korean midfielder Chung-Yong Lee is still away in Asia at the Qatar Asian Cup. However, on the plus side, fans are set to see their first glimpse of new signing David Wheater, the combative center-back in line to make his debut as Bolton not only go in search of a drought-busting win over Chelsea but also just their third clean sheet of the league campaign.

Bolton Fact: The Trotters have scored the opening goal of the game in seven of eleven home league games this season.

Chelsea

There has been a lot of doom and and gloom around West London for some time now, the best part of two months in fact, Stamford Bridge suffering with a case of depression it would seem. The fans haven’t took kindly to a dreary period of form which has seen their team record just two wins in their last ten league matches, while the players have responded negatively to their disgruntled supporters. So nothing like a visit to Bolton to remedy the situation then, a fixture Chelsea have bossed in recent years.

Carlo Ancelotti, however, believes everyone at the club has turned a corner this week courtesy of their second win in the Premier League within the space of three weeks. If Ancelotti genuienly believes a routine win over Blackburn Rovers at home, a game in which Chelsea still displayed the characterisitcs of a team in a gragile frame of mind, then he must finally be losing the plot. I’m afraid one win over mid-table Blackburn doesn’t constitute a revival, particularly when both their goals in their 2-0 triumph came courtesy of two corners. From open play, Chelsea still strive to waste as many opportunities as humanely possible within 90 minutes, Didier Drogba the main culprit as the club’s big hitters continue to misfire.

Wins do, however, breathe confidence into a side and victory over Blackburn eight days ago was at least a platform upon which the Blues can rebuild their crumbling season, particularly as their very next fixture has treated them well in the past.

The Trotters have been cannon fodder for Chelsea down the years, the Londoner’s unbeaten in their last fifteen competitive matches with Bolton – winners of the last six contests without even conceding. Furthermore, Ancelotti’s charges ran riot at The Reebok last term, Didider Drogba and Frank Lampard helping themselves to a goal each as Chelsea ran out 4-0 winners.

Speaking of Frank Lampard, the Chelsea schemer has a prolific record against the Trotters. After missing most of the season through various injuries, Lampard has struggled to find his feet on his return, though may find some solace in the fact he has scored seven times in eleven appearances against Bolton. However, the England midfielder is a major doubt for Monday night’s contest, along with fellow Chelsea stalwart John Terry. So the Blues may well be without half of their usually rock-solid and dependable core, and that has to have an adverse effect on their chances in Bolton. Though the Blues are searching for their ninth successive league victory at The Reebok – though on the back of shoddy away form, Chelsea having failed to win any of their last six away league matches, four of which were defeats.

Chelsea Fact: Last scored the first goal of an away contest in the Premier League on 11th September, when beating basement boys West Ham 3-1 at Upton Park.
 

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Last 5 Results

Bolton Wanderers

Premiership: Stoke City 2-0 Bolton Wanderers
FA Cup: Bolton Wanderers 2-0 York City
Premiership: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Wigan Athletic
Premiership: Liverpool 2-1 Bolton Wanderers
Premiership: Chelsea 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

Chelsea

Premiership: Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn Rovers
FA Cup: Chelsea 7-0 Ipswich Town
Premiership: Wolves 1-0 Chelsea
Premiership: Chelsea 3-3 Aston Villa
Premiership: Chelsea 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

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Head-to-Head (Last 5 Seasons)

2010/2011: Chelsea 1-0 Bolton Wanderers

2009/2010: Chelsea 1-0 Bolton Wanderers
2009/2010: Bolton Wanderers 0-4 Chelsea

2008/2009: Chelsea 4-3 Bolton Wanderers
2008/2009: Bolton Wanderers 0-2 Chelsea

2007/2008: Chelsea 1-1 Bolton Wanderers
2007/2008: Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Chelsea

2006/2007: Chelsea 2-2 Bolton Wanderers
2006/2007: Bolton Wanderers 0-1 Chelsea

2005/2006: Bolton Wanderers 0-2 Chelsea
2005/2006: Chelsea 5-1 Bolton Wanderers

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2010/2011 Premiership Statistics

Bolton Wanderers

League Position: 7th
Win-Draw-Lose: 7-9-7 (Home: 5-5-1)
Goal Difference: 34-31 (Home: 22-13)
Form: WLLDL (Home: WDWWD)
Top Scorer: Johan Elmander (9)

Chelsea

League Position: 4th
Win-Draw-Lose: 11-5-6 (Away: 3-3-5)
Goal Difference: 38-19 (Away: 14-12)
Form: LWDLW (Away: LDDLL)
Top Scorer: Didier Drogba (9)

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Betting Odds & Tips

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.80 SkyBet

On current form, and with their confidence still wavering, I cannot see how Chelsea at anything resembling odds-on is value. With that said, their record against Bolton Wanderers in the league is nothing short of outstanding – victorious in their last six contests with the Trotters without evening conceding a goal. So do we base our selection on the past or the present?

Every team has a bogey opponent, Bolton’s is Chelsea. But this isn’t the same Chelsea side as in previous years. Their confidence is at an all-time low. Ancelotti may be without John Terry and Frank Lampard, though we fully expect the former to make an appearance. Away from home, Chelsea haven’t won any of their last six matches on top of just two wins from their last ten in the league overall. The worst thing of all? I haven’t seen anywhere near enough passion, desire, that hunger required for a turnaround in fortunes, from the Chelsea ranks to dig the team out of the giant hole they find themselves in, which is in stark contrast to a Bolton side who work their socks off in every game and have yet to disappoint in the crunch encounters with the big boys.

Kevin Davies and Johan Elmander can be a real handful and will cause a Chelsea defence which has been fragile for some time all sorts of problems providing the midfield doesn’t get overrun. That’s our main concern, the likes of Essien, Ramires and Lampard, if he starts, getting on top and dictating the tempo of the game early on. Bolton need to get hold of possession and maintain the flow through to their two nuisance strikers if they are to get anything from what has been a nightmare fixture for the Trotters.

Value Bet: Bolton to Score the First Goal – 3.25 Coral

Match Odds:

Bolton Wanderers – 5.50 Bet365(General)
Draw – 3.80 SkyBet
Chelsea – 1.70 StanJames

Chelsea V Arsenal

Sunday, 7^th February – 16:00 GMT (Sky Sports 1)

Chelsea

League Position: 1st

Recent Form: WWWWD

Chelsea’s winning run of four games came to an abrupt end on Tuesday night when Hull City, of all the teams, stopped Chelsea in their tracks by holding out for a point, drawing 1-1 at The KC. However, Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t have a lot of time to dwell on that mishap as one of Chelsea’s nearest neighbours comes to town, but this time it’s one of their closest pursuers for the league crown in Arsenal. Chelsea will need to be careful that their arrogance doesn’t get the better of them because they will be supremely confident of their chances in Sunday’s clash in the knowledge that they tore Arsenal to pieces when the pair last met this season at The Emirates, back in November.

Chelsea took Arsenal to town when the two sides met at The Emirates earlier this season in a game most people thought would test Chelsea’s title credentials but, instead, boosted them significantly. Chelsea did, however, go on to lose their very next league fixture, a 2-0 defeat to Man City, but have picked themselves up by going on a nine match unbeaten run in the league and are still going well in the FA Cup – unlike the Gunners. There have been a few too many draws along the way, with Chelsea drawing four of their last nine in this unbeaten run of theirs, but three of those four draws did come away from Stamford Bridge and the only side to have taken points away from Stamford Bridge this season was Everton, and they had to score three goals just to earn a point.

It’s not surprising that, even after their disappointing point in midweek, Chelsea are the short priced favourites to win on Sunday in this eagerly awaited clash as it’s their opponents who will be feeling the pressure the most. However, Chelsea must avoid being overconfident ahead of this clash and should look no further for motivation than their 2-1 defeat at the hands of Arsenal last season. That was one of two rare home defeats for Chelsea last season but they’ve yet to lose a home fixture this season and, were they to avoid defeat on Sunday, are almost be certain to go the remainder of the season without a home loss as Liverpool & United, arguably Chelsea’ toughest home fixtures on the football calendar, have already been dispatched by the blues.

Chelsea, even with their draw at Hull, are in a rich vein of form and it’s hard to see them losing this fixture. However, several teams have given Chelsea a scare at The Bridge in the past month or so, with the likes of Portsmouth, Fulham, & Everton all scoring at the home of Chelsea, with Everton earning a deserved point and the other two walking away feeling mighty aggrieved after causing Chelsea all sorts of problems at the back. However, these concerns of ours, mainly in their defending it has to be said, might just have been put to bed when Chelsea obliterated Birmingham’s fifteen match unbeaten run by comprehensively winning 3-0 at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago. They were clinical in front of goal that night while their quick-tempo start to the game was a joy to behold, but Chelsea did almost come unstuck in the second half when they allowed Birmingham to come at them and perhaps this arrogance of theirs, which is definitely apparent, just might be their downfall on Sunday – Who knows?!

Arsenal

League Position: 3rd

Recent Form: DWWDL

Arsenal were humiliated over the weekend when they were crushed by Manchester United, losing 3-1 at The Emirates in their second home defeat of the season. The small grain of hope for Arsenal fans, though, is that the last time Arsenal were beaten at home, also conceding three goals, the Gunners then went on a title chasing run by going ten games unbeaten in the league. However, that impressive run of theirs, one which came to a stern end last Sunday, was built upon another humiliating defeat when Chelsea beat Arsenal 3-0 at The Emirates stadium. Can Arsenal somehow avenge that defeat or will they fall foul to yet another crushing blow? 

This is a ‘make or break’ fixture for Arsene Wenger and his Arsenal troops as defeat would all-but end their hopes of winning their first league title since 2002. A loss to a side that played them off the park in the reverse meeting, would see Arsenal fall nine points off the pace and that doesn’t bare thinking about if you’re an Arsenal supporter. However, you Gooners can cling onto the hope that your side can spring a shock on Sunday by emulating the success they enjoyed at The Bridge last season when they won 2-1. However, both their goals that day were scored by a now injured Robin Van Persie and there are questions surrounding Arsenal’s attacking options in that they just don’t have enough quality up front without their Dutch star.

We are fairly confident that Arsenal won’t just turn up and roll over. We are also quite optimistic that Arsenal will create chances against a Chelsea defence which hasn’t been bulletproof this season. However, our main concern is how they will score the goals as their forward line is looking too blunt to make a big impact in this sort of fixture. Andrei Arshavin, whom has been used as a winger for Arsenal for the best part of this season, is now taking up the sole responsibility of scoring the brunt of Arsenal’s goals by lining up in attack on his lonesome. The little Russian may have an abundance of pace and skill but he lacks so much height that defences just aren’t scared of him in that central role. With Nicklas Bendtner slowly returning to fitness, we would opt for the Danish international in attack and instead put Arshavin back out on the wing where he can terrorise Chelsea’s full-backs and cut inside at will. By having Arshavin in the centre you’re nullifying one of your best attacking influences and it’s also piling unnecessary pressure on the Russian. 

If Arsene Wenger does switch Arshavin with Bendtner and put the Russian back out wide then we feel Arsenal have a chance. However, we also feel Arsenal need the first goal to stand any chance of winning this fixture as Chelsea can turn rampant once they take the lead and have yet to relinquish any points in games they’ve scored first in at Stamford Bridge. A high-tempo start is required, imperative in fact, if Arsenal want to keep their title dreams alive with a win.

Head-to-Head:

Chelsea W: Arsenal W: Draws:

•  Chelsea have the edge over Arsenal after winning five of their previous ten meetings. 

•  Chelsea will be gunning for their third successive league victory over the Gunners on Saturday, although neither came at Stamford Bridge.

•  Arsenal won the last encounter at Stamford Bridge after coming from a goal down to win 2-1 in lasts seasons tight affair in which Robin Van Persie stole the show with a match winning brace. 

• Arsenal haven’t lost by more than a one goal margin at Stamford Bridge in any of their previous seven visits.

• There has been an own goal in the previous three meetings between the two sides, with two coming from Arsenal and one from Chelsea. Funnily enough, the two Arsenal own goals both came at The Emirates while the Chelsea own goal came at Stamford Bridge.

• Chelsea have received the most bookings in the previous two clashes at Stamford Bridge, while Didier Drogba has been booked in two of the previous three meetings at Chelsea.

Key Players:

Chelsea – Didier Drogba

It’s going to be intriguing watching Didier Drogba attempting to get the better of Arsenal’s usually solid centre-back pairing of Thomas Vermealen & William Gallas. The Ivory Coast international, whom has only just returned from the African Cup of Nations, took just 42 minutes to find his scoring boots for Chelsea as he scored Chelsea’s equaliser on Tuesday night. The bulky 31 year-old has now scored something like 34 goals in 41 games for Chelsea, which is a staggering goal return and one of the reasons why Drogba is favourite to open the scoring on Sunday. He has the ability to terrorise defences, the pace and strength to bomb past a defender and the composure to finish in the game-defining moments. Drogba is going to be a real handful for Arsenal and he has every chance of winning this game for Chelsea single handily.

Didier Drogba FGS – 5/1 Coral

Didier Drogba Anytime Scorer – 13/8 Coral

To score a Brace (2 or more) – 7/1 PaddyPower

Arsenal – Andrei Arshavin

Some will say Cesc Fabregas, who is probably enjoying his best spell of his career, will be the player which could be the driving force behind a surprise Arsenal win on Sunday, but we feel the potential match winner  for Arsenal could be their Russian superstar. Arshavin has this knack of scoring in the biggest games for Arsenal, with Chelsea being the only ‘Big Four’ team he hasn’t scored against since joining Arsenal. He scored 4 at Anfield last season in a 4-4 draw with Liverpool, he then added to Liverpool’s woes with Arsenal’s winner at Anfield back in November  whilst he scored Arsenal’s opener in a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford to Man Utd. Like Drogba, although certainly not in stature, Arshavin posses the ability to skin his marker with ease and has the talent to go on a mazy run with the ball, leaving defenders often in his wake. Moreover, he has one of the deadliest shots I think I’ve ever seen. When he hits them they stay hit,and, from such a small player, he doesn’t half get some power behind his shots. He’s also a smart thinker, he knows where the gaps are and he could be the key for Arsenal in unlocking that Chelsea defence.

Arshavin FGS – 8/1 SkyBet

Arshavin Anytime Scorer – 11/4 SkyBet

Match Verdict: Arsenal to WIN – 5.00 (4/1!) Bet365, SkyBet & PaddyPower

The Premiership needs three title contenders heading into the latter part of the season and for this to happen Arsenal ideally need to beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to keep them within touching distance. It’s a very big ask considering Chelsea haven’t lost at home all season and have rarely looked like losing at Stamford Bridge, and with Arsenal getting battered last Sunday, but it’s not out of the question an Arsenal victory as they have the inventory to cause Chelsea’s often shaky defence all sorts of problems. It will require a huge amount of effort and courage from the Arsenal starting eleven but an Arsenal win is no forlorn hope and, at very attractive odds, it’s certainly worth chancing in game you simply have to have some form of a bet on.

Match Odds:

Chelsea – 1.83 SkyBet

Draw – 3.50 Boylesports

Arsenal – 5.00 Bet365, SkyBet, PaddyPower

SoccerBetting Value Pick: Arsenal to Score 2 or more Goals – 13/5 PaddyPower