Aston Villa v Arsenal betting

Aston Villa (Last 5 matches – LWLDL):

Aston Villa are surprisingly 10^th in the Premier League, which is a bit of a surprise especially when considering how they have played this season. At the start of the season the club had a decent start, they looked strong and had plenty of young talent, then things started to slip, they secured a few lucky results but now luck is not on their side. Against Tottenham the other week was arguably one of the worst performances by a Premier League side this season, they couldn’t keep the ball, they couldn’t attack or defend, they were lucky not to get thrashed.

Against Liverpool over the week they started badly, 2 goals down very early on and it looked like it was going to be a disastrous match for the club, however things improved and they managed to keep hold of the ball, but really didn’t produce many chances, but did concede a lot of chances for Liverpool to pounce on, fortunately for Aston Villa, Liverpool were not on top form.

The manager finds himself under pressure, but it would appear that he doesn’t have the resources available as his squad included many aging players and many young inexperienced players. The fixture list is a tough one for the club over the Christmas period, but they need to rebuild and quick.

Arsenal (Last 5 matches – LWLWL):

In recent matches Arsenal has shown some form, they are still defiantly a contender for the title this season, especially if they secure a few transfers over the Christmas period. After all the struggled during the start of the seasons, the future is looking decent for the club, not many players are struggling with injuries and they have adapted their style of play, they are more willing to play in the air rather than their slick ground passing, they have a few strong players up front which enables them to play many styles of football.

Against Man City on the weekend they looked decent, better than what most people would of thought, not to forget Man City have arguably one of the most teams in the world, Arsenal did well to contain them throughout the game and still produce chance after chance up front. So the result against Man City wouldn’t discourage Arsenal, they played will full effort and on another day they could potentially have defeated Man City.

Although Arsenal have been showing some decent form over recent times, they still have a few things to work on, especially over this Christmas period with a heavy fixture list, they need to remained disciplined and perhaps protect Van Persie as he has had a heavy work load, there is a perception that he surely must get injured soon with the amount of football he has been playing. But the fixture list is rather kind to Arsenal for the next few weeks, so it should be a decent run for them.

Aston Villa v Arsenal

Last season: 27^th Nov Aston Villa 2 – 4 Arsenal, 15^th May Arsenal 1-2 Aston Villa

Prediction: Aston Villa 1 – 3 Arsenal (16/1 with Ladbrokes)

Preview:

These 2 clubs always produce a great match, and this match appears to have the build up of another cracker, both teams this season have been inconsistent and both teams are struggling to keep clean sheets, so surely with the attacking prowess of Arsenal they will be looking to secure a good victory in this match, but Aston Villa are capable of scoring goals, Heskey keeps the ball up well so it should be a decent match, a match with goals in for sure, but on paper it would appear Arsenal are naturally stronger then Aston Villa.

 Odds:

Correct Score:

• 1-1 (6/1 with Skybet)
• Arsenal 2-0 (8/1 with Williamhill)
• Aston Villa 2-1 (14/1 with BET365)
• Arsenal 4-2 (50/1 with Skybet)

First Goal Scorer:

• Van Persie 3/1 with Ladbrokes
• Darren Bent 6/1 with Coral
• Theo Walcott 9/1 with Totesport
• Heskey 11/1 with Paddypower.

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Fulham vs Man Utd betting

Man United were briefly back on the top of the Premier League following their victory over QPR on Sunday. With City going back to first after winning their enthralling encounter against Arsenal, can United keep up their pressure, or will Fulham’s resilient home form put a dent into Sir Alex Ferguson’s title chances?

Fulham – PL Form: DDWLW

Saturday’s comfortable victory over Bolton saw Fulham continue their improving form after a torrid start to the season. Fulham’s home form has been inconsistent. Their fans have seen them comfortably beat QPR and Liverpool, draw against Man City but drop points to Everton, Tottenham and Blackburn. Fulham’s recent head-to-head record against United is very promising, having not lost to Ferguson’s side in their last 3 meetings at Craven Cottage (W2, D1).

Clint Dempsey has been in great form for Fulham this season, but has never scored against Man United. The best odds available for the American to break his duck and score in the game are 3/1 from bet365.

In Fulham’s fixtures there has been 14 goals scored in the first half and 22 in the second half. You can get odds of 6/5 from Coral for there to be more goals scored in the second half at Craven Cottage.

Man United – PL Form: WDWWW

Man Utd remain unbeaten away from home in the Premier League. In their 8 away matches, they have conceded just 3 goals, keeping 5 clean sheets. You can get odds of 5/4 from bet365 for an away clean sheet in this game.

Javier Hernandez and Wayne Rooney both have 5 goals away from home in the Premier League this season. For Rooney to score first you can get odds of 4/1 from both Totesport and Betfred. If you fancy Hernandez to score last, you can get odds of 4/1 from William Hill, Boylesports and SkyBet.

Match Prediction: 2-2 Draw – 16/1 Victor Chandler

Fulham are improving and have had some impressive results at home this season. They followed their impressive draw against Man City with a victory over Liverpool and have enjoyed excellent results in recent meetings between the two sides in action on Wednesday. You can get odds of 14/5 for a draw from Victor Chandler, but the previous meetings have seen many goals so a 2-2 draw could be on the cards for a second season running.

Article by Nick Whittaker

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Manchester City v Arsenal

Manchester City: League Position: 1st, League Form: WWDWL

Roberto Mancini’s men finally came unstuck last week as a Monday night defeat to Chelsea saw them lose for the first time domestically this season. After controlling the game with ease for the majority of the first half at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s breakaway goal destroyed the momentum they had built, and it seemed to halt their flow for the rest of the game. From then on it was Chelsea’s to win.

Man City vs Arsenal odds

Having their unbeaten record taken from them one game and losing out on Champions League group qualification the week before, this has been a little uneasy period for The Citizens. And again Mario Balotelli has caused controversy, this time involved in a training ground scrap with Micah Richards. Can City come out of this hard run of fixtures and sticky patch with a win against Arsenal?

They are still top, although this may not be the case come four o’clock this Sunday afternoon with rivals United playing earlier in the day and only two points behind. However they have won all seven at home, scoring 24 and conceding four.

Arsenal: League Position: 5th, League Form: WWDWW

Arsenal are back. After their poor start to the season they have began to turn it round, climbing the table and going from European outsiders to right back in the Champions League qualification places, and also comfortably through to the last 16 of this year’s tournament.

Much of this is down to the flying Dutchman Robin Van Persie. 19 goals this season, 15 in the league which is four more than second placed Aguero, the man is almost unstoppable.

The problem looks to come on their away form, three wins, one draw, three defeats, yet they have won their past three away games in the league. In fact, they are unbeaten since October 2nd in the league, with domestic defeat to this weekend’s opponents in the Carling Cup their only blight on the copybook in this country.

Match Prediction: Manchester City Win – 1.73 William Hill

The form book says Arsenal, the striker in form is Arsenal’s Robin Van Persie, yet Manchester City will be expecting to win this.

The side’s rigid defensive style of last year could come into play against an Arsenal side that have not lost their inconsistent traits, as Fulham showed in their draw at The Emirates Stadium this season.

Whilst Arsenal’s midfield has been a platform to flourish in attack, they come up against a City midfield that are a different animal. The man the Arsenal fans cried out for their manager to buy for seasons before he was taken by City, Yaya Toure, will marshal a midfield of Barry and Milner that can not only harass and interrupt the flow of Arsenal’s passing game, but also feed the creative men ahead of them.

City have not kept a clean sheet in the league since October 1st, but their home record is impressive. Manchester City have taken 49 from a possible 51 points in their last 16 games at the Etihad Stadium and won the last 12 in a row.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.73 Stan James
First Goalscorer: Sergio Aguero – 6.00 Sky Bet
Correct Score: 2-1 Manchester City – 8.5 188Bet

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Aston Villa v Liverpool betting

The afternoon game on Sunday sees two sides going head to head that have struggled to find the back of the net this season. There are 3 league places and 7 points between the two clubs and they have both scored only 18 league goals in 15 games. Will it be another low scoring game then, or will they begin to find their goal scoring touch?

Aston Villa vs Liverpool odds

Aston Villa

Aston Villa are currently sitting in a respectable 8^th place in the league, but it seems many fans are still getting used to former Birmingham boss Alex McLeish. The main problem Villa have had this season is scoring goals, and McLeish has favoured a conservative approach when taking on the bigger sides in the league so far. Their home form has been rather indifferent as well, winning just 3 of their 7 games. This is why Aston Villa are outsiders going into the game, with odds of 4.2 available from Bet365 for a home win. With Gabriel Agbonlahor suspended the job of finding an elusive goal will fall at the feet of Darren Bent. Although he has struggled so far this season, the England striker has been prolific over the past few seasons and is always a good bet to open the scoring. Odds of   7.5 are available from Paddy Power for this and those will almost certainly shorten by kick off.

Liverpool

Liverpool are going into this game with Aston Villa looking for back to back wins in the league for the first time since the end of September and beginning of October. Much like Villa, Liverpool have really struggled to score goals so far this season. However, they haven’t had any trouble making chances, it’s putting them away that has been the problem. There is some good value in an away win after Liverpool have struggled a little on the road so far this season, so betting on a 1-0 away win with odds of 7.0 from Betfred, looks very good. Luis Suarez started the season well, but has struggled to find the net recently. Still, he looks like The Red’s most likely source of a goal, so betting on the Uruguayan striker to score at any time with odds of 2.4 from Paddy Power, could bring a decent return.

Highlighted Bets

Darren Bent 1^st goal scorer – 7.5 Paddy Power

1-0  away WIN – 7.0 Betfred

Luis Suarez anytime scorer – 2.4 Paddy Power

Under 1.5 goals – 3.4 Stan James

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Ladbroke Hurdle Betting

Ladbrokes Ascot Hurdle (Listed) (Grade 1)

The focus may be on the much talked about Prospect Wells ahead of Saturday’s Ladbroke Hurdle but there are plenty of closely-matched handicappers bidding for a share of the £150,000 purse, writes Mikey Mumford. None more so than the in-form Nicky Henderson pair Gibb River and Rajdhani Express while Greatwood Hurdle conqueror Brampour will have to do it the hard way and defy top weight.

Brampour Followed up his win over course and distance with an impressive victory in the Greatwood two runs back under young Harry Derham. Fared very well in the International Hurdle last week when holding every chance at the last until he faded but another similar effort should see him in the thick of things again. However, wouldn’t be the greatest shock were he to find one or two better handicapped.

Sailors Warn Couple of valiant second placed efforts in his last two runs on varying ground after narrow Limerick win in October. Champion jockey AP McCoy gets the leg up on him for the first time but doesn’t get his head in front all too often and ground may be a concern.

Gibb River Held near finish in his reappearance run earlier this month but only beaten a neck and a head into third. Done all of his winning on good to soft ground and looks to hold a strong chance at the weights. Most definitely the stables first string with Barry Geraghty opting to ride him over Rajdhani Express; shortlisted.

Desert Cry Lightly raced 5yo who defied top weight when scoring at Haydock last month over 2m. Had been running consistently well last season too and was an impressive winner on heavy ground at Sedgefield in February. Takes another step up in class here but respected after his winning reappearance last time.

Prospect Wells Found a new lease of life since joining Paul Nicholls yard after winning a Grade 1 listed event on the flat when with Howard Johnson. Struggled to follow up that effort on the flat but won a novices hurdle at the first time of asking at Chepstow. He was unlucky not to win next time beaten a neck by the useful Steps to Freedom but made amends when justifying favouritism latest. Early market leader and further support should guide.

Abergavenny Useful on the flat for Mark Johnston and done okay since switching to hurdles although hasn’t beaten much in this three wins over the obstacles. However, put in a stellar effort in the Greatwood last time losing second near the finish and must be respected on that evidence.

Raya Star Won three of his ten starts over hurdles including easy win at Wetherby two runs back before a gritty effort when third at Newbury last month. He has won over this trip and looks well treated on the pick of his form for rider Wayne Hutchinson who takes over from the injured Robert Thornton.

There seems to be plenty of support for Prospect Wells who has made an excellent transition to jumps since joining Paul Nicholls yard. However, there could be better value elsewhere and GIBB RIVER can add to Nicky Henderson’s splendid form at the expense of Raya Star who should post another creditable effort. [Mikey Mumford]

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Chelsea v Manchester City betting

Chelsea: League Position: 5th, League Form: LWLWW

They up and down form of Chelsea has caused criticism from pundits this season, which in turn has found Manager Andre Villas-Boas in spiky form in his press conferences. And his team have responded as of late. Tuesday’s Champions League victory over saw Didier Drogba awaken from his recent slump to evoke memories of the Drogba that carried Chelsea’s attack to Premier League titles. Arguably the best striker of his kind, he bullied Valencia and scored twice.

Chelsea v Manchester City odds

With Drogba maybe on the way back to form, he could find himself with the best service of his time at Chelsea. Spaniard Juan Mata has assisted seven goals in his last nine Premiership appearances, only one man has made more, the other wily Spaniard who will appear this weekend, David Silva.

The problem is their defence. The quality opposition they have played have shown them up at the back. Manchester United scored three, Arsenal embarrassed them with five and Liverpool have scored two past them twice this year in league and cup. They have changed their shape and style enough that gaps that were never there have suddenly appeared. And good teams exploit them.

Manchester City: League Position: 1st, League Form: WWWDW

So, Manchester City could not force their way through their group of death in their first attempt at Champions League football. No time to mope, and they are faced with real opposition to get their teeth into Monday night. What better way to bounce back and prove themselves the force to be reckoned with this season than by beating a team who were considered title rivals in August.

The good news for Roberto Mancini’s men is that they won well midweek against a good, if not full strength Bayern Munich side, and have had five days to prepare for this game. They should be raring to go. Micah Richards is expected to miss the game, but Zabaleta is not a bad option to replace him.

Looking for a weakness in City’s performance this year is no easy task. The best you’ve got? Whereas they have won all their games at home, they’ve won five and drawn two on their travels. They’ve scored 24 at home and 24 away, but have conceded five more on their travels (nine) than they have at the Etihad Stadium (four). Not exactly negatives.

Match Prediction: Manchester City Win – 3.00 Victor Chandler, Bet 365

Rightly or wrongly, it could be a blessing in disguise that the inconsistent, young Brazilian centre back David Luiz is suspended from this game. With him and Terry at the back Chelsea have looked less secure than at any time since money and success came to their door. Whether his fellow Brazilian Alex gets the chance to replace him or Ivanovic moves central and Bosingwa returns at right back, it’s still clear that Chelsea are not the defensive force they once were. Who would you not want to play when your back line is underperforming? Top scorers and league leaders Manchester City.

With this in mind, Sergio Aguero, Manchester City’s top scorer with 11 league goals, is a great price at 8.00 to be first goalscorer. Chelsea certainly lack pace at the back, and Aguero has pace, guile and flair in abundance, let alone fantastic finishing. It’s also why City could find themselves in the goals at Stamford Bridge, in much the same way Arsenal did. Chelsea now like to play the ball out of defence, run a high line and be a more attacking side. This has been exposed by all of their rivals so far this year. Considering that City have only been behind in games this season for a combined total of 15 minutes, it’s reasonable to suggest they may take the lead here, forcing Chelsea to take more risks, leaving the home side open to City’s considerable attacking force on the break.

However, if Chelsea are to perform here then the man that carried them into the Champions League knockout stage midweek, Didier Drogba, will be the one to force them through victorious here. A fired up Drogba could be the biggest test of Manchester City’s defence of the domestic season.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 1.83 Coral

First Goalscorer: Sergio Aguero – 8.00 Stan James

Correct Score: 3-1 Man City Win – 26.00 Ladbrokes,

First to Score for their team: Didier Drogba – 5.00 Bet 365

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Stan James International Hurdle betting

Otherwise known as the second leg in the road to Cheltenham, the Stanjames.com International Hurdle should give us a better idea of the leading players for March’s Champion Hurdle, writes Mikey Mumford. Last year’s supreme novice winner Menorah bids to keep up Richard Johnson’s excellent record in this race, Overturn bids for a four-timer for Donald McCain while Grandouet looks another major player. The race over 2m1f will see eight flights of hurdles negotiated with the winner in for a share of the £130,000 pot.

Menorah Surprising he reverted back to hurdles after unseating last time out in a three-runner novice chase at Exeter. Would have won that day had it not been for that mistake but interesting connections have opted to go back down this route. He is a course and distance winner and has struggled a little taking on some useful rivals but holds a strong chance here.

Overturn Game front-runner who has made all on his last three runs all over 2m plus including when beating Binocular in the fighting fifth at Newcastle latest.  Faces some more classy rivals here but holds every chance if getting his own way in front and possibilities if being able to dictate again.

Brampour Better than ever this season with two impressive wins the last twice at Ascot and over slightly shorter at this track last time. Has the excellent Harry Derham aboard who has marshalled him in those two victories and should get his ground. Chance of completing hat-trick bid if he’s in similar mood.

Clerk’s Choice Trainer won this race three times before and although he is a previous course and distance winner here, he faces another step up in class. Was beaten favourite last time and not difficult to look elsewhere.

Grandouet Easy winner at Haydock last time and that dispelled the disappointment when he fell at Wincanton the time before when going well 2 out. Looks a horse still on the upgrade after his excellent Punchestown win in May and receives 4Ib from both Menorah and Overturn and should go very close.

Sanctuaire Often too keen at the start of his races and that has been his downfall a little in his recent races. However, if he settles he merits serious respect and had Overturn comfortably behind when scoring at Ayr earlier this year and could be one for the each-way  honours at a price.

Pittoni Failed to make an impression at Punchestown latest on soft ground which he often enjoys and looks up against it here against this field. Has the assistance of champion jockey Tony McCoy but that probably one of the few positives.

Stormy Weather Not in the same class as some of these and  would be a major surprise to see him trouble any of these.

Really competitive renewal where Menorah can make an impression back over hurdles after a short but unsuccessful chasing career. Donald McCain must be very hopeful Overturn can complete a hat-trick but if being able to stretch these from the front. But the port of call goes to GRANDOUET who looks the one to beat receiving 4Ib from those two rivals. Brampour could run another big race at a price. [Mikey Mumford]

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Sunderland v Blackburn Rovers betting

Martin O’Neill will begin his reign of the club he supported as a boy on Sunday. Sunderland have struggled this season but face opponents who have also failed to impress their fans. Can Sunderland get off to the perfect start under O’Neill’s management, or will Blackburn be able to build on their victory against Swansea last weekend?

Sunderland – Form: DLDLL

Last week’s loss at Wolves saw Sunderland go a fifth game without victory. Only one of their last seven games has seen more than three goals. The best odds you can get for there to be under 3.5 goals in this game are 2/5 from Boylesports.

Sebastian Larsson is the club’s top scorer. The Swede takes the majority of set pieces for Sunderland and the best odds you can get for him to score anytime are 7/2 from William Hill.

Sunderland could make a very quick start as their players will be vying to impress their new manager. For Sunderland to open the scoring in the first half, you can get odds 6/5 from Ladbrokes.

Blackburn Rovers – Form: DLDLW

Blackburn finally managed to get their second victory of the season when they defeated Swansea last weekend. Yakubu scored all four goals in the fixture, taking his tally to nine goals in eight appearances already for Rovers. The best odds for Yakubu to be first goalscorer are 8/1 from bet365.

Blackburn have conceded three goals in each of their last three away Premier League matches. The best odds of this to continue and for Sunderland to score three goals are 5/1 from William Hill.

Paul Robinson has not kept a clean sheet all season for Blackburn Rovers. For him, and Blackburn to keep their first clean sheet, you can pick up odds of 4/1 from bet365.

Match Prediction: Sunderland to win 2-1 (8/1 Ladbrokes)

Sunderland are playing poorly but now have Martin O’Neill at the helm. The players will want to impress the new manager and will have the home crowd supporting them along the way. Blackburn have been poor away from home, without a win all season. Their morale-boosting  victory against Swansea is likely to spur a good performance, but they face a tough task in this relegation six-pointer.

Article by Nick Whittaker

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West Brom v Wigan betting

West Brom take on Wigan on Saturday in a game that could have real impact on the bottom of the table come the end of the season. Both sides will be looking for all 3 points, but which side can improve on their poor recent form to take them? Or will it end all square like last season?

West Brom v Wigan odds

West Brom

West Brom are coming off the back of a tough run of recent fixtures which has only seen them pick of 7 points from their last possible 18. They are though, currently sitting fairly clear of the relegation zone in 14^th place. Roy Hodgson will fancy his chances against bottom of the league Wigan, and with their home advantage they are clear favourites. The best odds on a home win come from Paddy Power at 1.73, but a 2-0 correct score is looking even better at 8.8 from Betfair. Shane Long is back with a bang after his knee injury and scored in West Brom’s last game out at Q.P.R. The Irish striker should be considered a good bet then, to score at any time with 2.3 also at Paddy Power. West Brom’s games so far this season have averaged 3 goals, so betting on over 2.5 goals is looking good with 1.85 at Bet365.

Wigan

Wigan are having a tough time of it at the moment, they are bottom of the league and have just 1 win to their name in their last 12 games in all competitions. It doesn’t make pleasant reading for Wigan fans and they are clear outsiders with odds of 6.0 available from Betfred. Of course they did win away at Sunderland a few weeks ago, but that came down to a defensive mistake at the back. The main problem for Roberto Martinez this season has been scoring goals, they have really missed Charles N’Zogbia and have only managed 12 goals in the league all season. Franco Di Santo looks Wigan’s most likely source of a goal after netting 4 so far this season, and the big striker is a good price at 12.0 with Bet365. Their lack of goals also means that there is some real value to be had in betting on both teams to score in the first half. Skybet are offering odds of 4.5 which are definitely worth an outside bet.

Highlighted Bets

2-0 Home WIN – 8.8 Betfair

Shane Long anytime scorer – 2.3 Paddy Power

Franco Di Santo 1^st scorer – 12.0 Bet365

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Chelsea vs Valencia betting

Chelsea’s performance on the weekend against Newcastle was promising, they had chance after chance and it could have easily been 5-0 to Chelsea just at half time. However the manager is still under some pressure from the fans, Newcastle did create a few chances and the biggest worry for Chelsea is their defence, they were quite lucky to not have conceded against Newcastle, although overall Chelsea were the better side.

The Champions League is a whole different ball game, and even the pressure must be getting to the manager, Chelsea have a good record in the Champions League and regularly feature in the knock out stages of the competition, but this season all is not well. They were outplayed against Bayern Leverkusen in their last fixture, but were quite unlucky to concede such late on in the game. But a problem that is apparent is the concentration levels of the Chelsea players during the Champions League is lacking, they are struggling to set their own terms, they find themselves playing a whole different type of ball game, especially when they are playing away as was seen when they played Genk.

Consistency is the aim for Chelsea, they need to keep a few clean sheets and their attacking force will be fine.

Stats:

• Although Fernando Torres has yet to find form with goals in the premier league, he has scored the most goals for Chelsea in this competition this season and he is second for the most assists in this season Champions League with 3 assists.
• Chelsea’s goal different in this stage of proceedings is only 6 which is their lowest in many seasons.

Valencia:

Valencia is a team who possesses a strong reputation across Europe for their style of football. They have not impressed or set the world alight for quite a few seasons but their history speaks for themselves, they have historically done well against major English clubs such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in the past.

In the Spanish league, Valencia are 3^rd behind both Real Madrid and Barcelona which only goes to show that they are defiantly a strong team and not one to be taken lightly in any circumstances.

In the Champions League, they are 3^rd and will be hoping for some good results to just pip Chelsea and make it into the latter stages of the competition. It is clear that they need to win each of their remaining matches, and with the patient type of football they play, they are suited to do well in the competition.

Valencia’s last match against Genk has only gone to put some fear into other teams mind, they absolutely thrashed Genk 7-0 and it could have easily been more, Valencia’s intentions are clear, they are going to play in their natural patient and quick attacking way in order to secure progression in the competition.

Stats:

• Roberto Salado is the 3^rd leading goal scorer this season in the Champions League with 5 goals.

Match Prediction: 1-1 (6/1 SkyBet)

This is set to be a big match, both teams are equal in points but despite Valencia’s thrashing over Genk the other week Chelsea are ahead on goal difference.

Both teams must win, Valencia have been strong in recent years in the Spanish league and they look organised and able to attack and tear apart any defence, and with Chelsea’s recent form defensively, there is potential for goals if Chelsea’s back 4 don’t get their act together.

The last time these 2 teams met the score line was 1-1 which was a fair result. Chelsea was sloppy in picking up 4 yellow cards in the last 10 minutes and it’s clear that fitness wise Valencia were pushing Chelsea’s defence to the limit.

Chelsea’s Jose Bosingwa looks set to miss this match due to his injury, but with Daniel Strurridge’s recent form, their attacking force does have some good potential.

Odds:

First goal scorer: Fernando Torres 5/1 at BET365 and Roberto Salado 7/1 Coral.

To Qualify: Chelsea 4/9 Bluesquare and Valencia 13/8 888Sport

Scores: Chelsea to win 1-0 7/1 32Red, Valencia to win 2-1 14/1 BetFred, 0-0 draw 10/1 William Hill.

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