Chelsea vs Atletico Madrid betting preview

This Friday’s European Super Cup sees the winners of the Champions’ League take on the winners of the Europa League. Chelsea have been transformed in terms of personnel and style since their triumph in Europe’s elite competition whilst Atletico are playing in a similar style, again relying on the goals of the prolific Radamel Falcao. Both teams have history in the competition with Chelsea claiming victory in 1998 and Atletico as recently as 2010, when they beat Inter 2-0. Check out the free bets available for the game here.

Chelsea League Form: WWW

Chelsea have looked imperious in the league so far this season having notched up three straight victories. This season has seen a shift from the robust, efficient Chelsea unit of the past to a more dynamic and attack minded team. Eden Hazard looks a sensational purchase but in the past has struggled to reach such dizzying heights in the so called bigger games, including the preseason run out in the Community Shield against the reigning champions of the Premier League. That said, Hazard will definitely be a threat and his incredible record for winning penalties may be something to look at; this knack has resulted in Frank Lampard scoring two from the spot in two league starts and, having been rested on Saturday, he should be back in the starting line-up come Friday evening. Nine points out of nine in the league so far cannot be ignored but at the same time they are yet to face any real quality in opposition. Having scored eight goals without really getting out of second gear, we can expect at least a couple more goals in this match. However, questions remain over the defensive side of the team, with a very average Reading team managing to score twice. Despite managing to keep a clean sheet against a fatigued Newcastle (they played in Europe less the 48 hours before kick-off), I can’t see the defence managing to contain the attacking prowess of Radamel Falcao.

Atletico Madrid League Form: W

Atletico won the Europa League for the second time in three years destroying fellow Spaniards Bilbao in the final 3-0. Having taken four points from their two La Liga games so far, Atletico have made a promising start to their season and sit in fourth, ten places above their arch rivals Real. It will come as no surprise as I have already mentioned him several times, but Radamel Falcao really is a huge threat up front; he scored an impressive hat-trick in front of the home crowd on Monday evening.  Atletico have a fairly solid defence with the experienced Diego Godin at the heart of it. However, like Chelsea, they are yet to encounter a world class attack in the league this season and I really can’t see the likes of Juanfran and Felipe Luis managing to contain the trident of Mata, Hazard and a rejuvenated Torres for 90 minutes.

In my opinion, it is fairly clear that there will be goals in this game and, these goals may come fairly even in the game so I would look towards bets that reflect this. Chelsea go into the games as slight favourites having won the premier competition rather than the cup that many clubs consider a nuisance on a Thursday night. I see the match going accordingly but I don’t think it will be plain sailing as Atletico’s attack should never be underestimated and may highlight the lack of pace from John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic. The game may even go all the way to penalties when it really will be a lottery as to who wins.

Highlighted Bets – From Bet 365

Chelsea 11/8

Chelsea 3-1 18/1

First half goals over 1.5 2/1

Chelsea to score in both halves 9/4

Chelsea to score a penalty 7/1

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