Premier League betting – Fulham v Liverpool

Fulham v Liverpool betting odds, tips & free bets

Fulham: League Position: 10th, League Form: WLDWW

A Fulham team who limped through the season, never far from the relegation places but never in them either, have come to life and burst away from the pack in recent months, coinciding with the return of strikers Dembele, Johnson and Zamora, let alone the contribution of American Clint Dempsey, with 12 goals, who deserves the kind of praise Tim Cahill of Everton continues to get.

Now they have hit form, with options going forward and goals in the team. Back to back 3-0 victories with scorers all outside of their strikeforce shows they can score across the pitch, and Mark Hughes has clearly grown into the job as time has gone, his influence proving stronger and stronger as the season lasted.

They have drawn the joint most games in the league and conceded only two more goals than Manchester United, clearly they are not any easy team to beat. Brede Hangeland is crucial at the back, and surely this summer a real transfer bid for the towering centre back will come in to test Fulham’s resolve.

Liverpool: League Position: 6th, League Form: LWDWW

Doubters of the Dalglish effect have been put in their place recently, with vibrant attacking displays and the progress of youth prospects delighting the fans. Luis Suarez has settled into English football without a worry, whilst Andy Carroll had clearly learned to deal with pressure wearing the iconic Newcastle number 9 shirt before moving to Liverpool as he has continued his fine form into the Reds squad. Even much maligned players like Maxi Rodriguez and Dirk Kuyt have become vibrant goal threats, as if unleashed by the legend of King Kenny.

The fans will now be thinking of taking fifth spot from under the noses of Tottenham, who have the harder remaining fixtures, and another year of Europa League football, which they would not have imagined after their horrible start, although the tournament is a nuisance in the eyes of many. This season is one to put behind them, and they’ve set about leaving everyone with a reminder of the good old days of attacking football home and away.

To push back into Champions League contention next season they will need to sort out their away struggles. Poor showings and results away from home still deter many away from too much of a stake on the side.

Match Prediction: Draw – 3.3 ToteSport, BoyleSports, Victor Chandler, Coral

Both sides have built a rather impressive momentum as of late, the shackles of a season of struggle have come off and they each seem to have relaxed. Two clean sheets in a row for each side and plenty of goals (Liverpool have scored eight and Fulham six) will lead the fans into this game confident.

Andy Carroll seems set to return to fitness, and it’s hard to see the increasingly influential Luis Suarez not playing. This little and large combination looks set to shine, although Carroll’s fitness issues as of late have hampered it so far. The relatively stress free end to the season may have untold benefits for next season as the pair learn to play off of one and other.

Fulham themselves have plenty of options up top, with Johnson, Zamora, Dembele, Gudjohnsen and Dempsey all capable and fighting for positions. Their solid style, raised by former manager Hodgson and further enhanced by Hughes, sees them hard to put many past too.

The only problem in a fixture like this, at least in terms of predicting the outcome, is that the end of the season has a strange affect on sides. Both teams have gone after goals lately, and whilst Liverpool are a better side, home advantage for Fulham puts it back to a level playing field. Both teams to score as goals become more important than the result.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 Goals – 2.1 Paddy Power
First Goalscorer: Dirk Kuyt – 9.00 William Hill
Correct Score: 2-2 Draw – 17.00 William Hill
Both Teams To Score: 1.83 Stan James

By Chris Wilkerson

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Premier League betting – Everton vs Man Utd

Everton vs Man Utd betting preview, odds and tips

He stole David Beckham’s limelight in the San Siro on Tuesday, and now Wayne Rooney returns to his boyhood club on Saturday as his Manchester United side prepare to do battle with Everton. Since donning the infamous ‘once a blue always a blue’ shirt when scoring for Everton, the England striker is nearing a century of goals for the Red Devils and looks set to spearhead his country at this years World Cup Finals. But that a side, a certain title race is gathering pace and United find themselves odds on favourites with the bookies to claim victory at Goodison in the Premier League’s lunchtime fixture. The visitors are 5/6 to secure all three points in front of the Sky cameras, the Toffees are a good 7/2 shot whilst a point-a-piece pays out at 5/2.

After heading a brace in Milan in midweek, Rooney and co return to league action this weekend in the knowledge that a point would take them back to the Premier League summit, at least temporarily. Chelsea travel to Wolves for a 3pm kick off, but the reigning champions have a superior goal difference and a point will lift United into top spot if only for a few hours. However, Sir Alex’s side have gone eight unbeaten in the league and the team will be oozing with confidence after smashing three past AC Milan in the Champions League. The United gaffer must be wary of an Everton side that have already accounted for leaders Chelsea and Manchester City on home turf. And memories of last season’s painful FA Cup semi-final defeat on penalties against Everton won’t have been quick to vanish. But the stats don’t make pleasant reading for Evertonians, they haven’t mustered a win against the Manchester United in the league since April 2005 and have failed to breach the United rearguard in their last two meetings.

Everton fans have already witness their team win at Goodison this week – hard fought 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the UEFA Europa League on Tuesday – and David Moyes will settle for a repeat score line this Saturday. Prior to the defeat to local rivals Liverpool at the start of February, the Toffees had gone nine unbeaten in the league, a feat which now sees them sitting comfortably in 9th place, quite a turnaround considering the club were only two points clear of the relegation trap door in early December. They have been boosted by the return of midfield playmaker Mikel Arteta of late, who completed over an hour of football in midweek after a ten month lay off. But the Merseyside club have been dealt a massive blow as news emerged this week that fellow midfielder Marouane Fellaini will miss the remainder of the campaign with an ankle problem.

The pair last met in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford in November, United running out comfortable winners beating Tim Howard on three occasions without reply. Wayne Rooney didn’t manage to mark the score sheet that time, but his form of late is showing no signs of slowing 10/3 with Coral to break the deadlock. The man Sir Alex described as “devastating” against Milan has already netted three times against the club he joined as a 10 year old, since departing them in 2004 and he seems a cracking bet to add to his 25 goals already this term. Louis Saha bagged a brace against Chelsea last time out and is Everton’s best bet to score first against his former employers at 7/1. Wayne Rooney’s temper has been known to flare in games and may things boil over against his boyhood club? 14/1 says he is to receive his marching orders.

The key battle lies with Rooney and Everton’s Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo. Can the African keep the livewire quiet? The weight of history is firmly against the Toffees but on their day they are capable of beating the top teams, as Chelsea found out last week. They won’t be short of backers at 7/2 to topple Sir Alex’s side. Will a lethargic United turn up on Saturday after their midweek exploits? The bookies don’t think so and at odds on are not great value, so back United in a treble alongside Arsenal and Chelsea, who should also win their respective matches.

Reccomended bets: Back Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal all to win in an accumulator paying 2/1 with VC Bet

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Premier League betting – Everton vs Liverpool

Everton vs Liverpool betting preview

After the future of Liverpool FC being disputed in the high courts, the players can only concentrate on and prepare themselves for one of the most important derbies of their careers and try to win back the respect of their fans. A loss or a draw would leave Liverpool still stuck in the bottom 3 with their reputation in tatters. From winning the 2005 UEFA Champions League in Rafael Benitez’s first season in charge, to finishing 7th last season, Liverpool’s start to the new season has been a disaster compared to previous seasons. A 1-1 draw with Arsenal kicked off the season, but results gradually went downhill as they crashed to defeat against Manchester City, followed by Manchester United and Blackpool in last week’s stunner, combined with draws against Birmingham and Sunderland. Alongside such events, Fernando Torres is currently out injured after an adductor strain against Blackpool, causing doubt for his fitness.

Derbies between these two clubs have never been simple and with the titan that is Tim Cahill in top form for Everton, this looks to be a spectacle of a match. Everton’s season hasn’t been the best either hovering just above the dreaded drop zone, but with Cahill’s 3 goals under his belt Everton’s perspective seems to be much brighter than Liverpool’s. After draws against Manchester United, Wolves, Fulham and Birmingham as well as losses against Aston Villa and Newcastle, Everton’s early season table position would scream panic at any manager, but despite the highs and lows David Moyes has stood by his players. Their first win of the season last weekend spurred on a motivating speech by Moyes in the aftermath, commanding his players to take more opportunities and to be more clinical in the box.

Match Prediction

With Liverpool doing the double over Everton last season, there will definitely be scores to settle. A last minute panic over Torres may cause doubt to set into Liverpool’s squad, and things could get a lot worse if he doesn’t win the race to be fit in time combined with England’s dismal result last night, Gerrard and co. may also be lacking motivation. Everton’s situation doesn’t look much better with Phil Jagielka and Steven Pienaar also out injured but after last week’s relatively good performance and a 2-0 victory over Birmingham, Everton may have the upper hand in this year’s derby.

Reccomended bets

Everton to win in the Draw no bet market at best odds 4/5 with Coral – Get a free £10 bet.

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Premier League betting – Everton vs Birmingham

Everton vs Birmingham betting odds, tips & free bets

Everton will go into Wednesday’s clash with Birmingham looking for the 3 points that will take them up to 8th in the league, matching their highest position so far this season. The Carling Cup winners will be looking for 3 points to take them out of the bottom 3 and away from trouble. The two sides haven’t met so far this season but the Blues did win the last match between the two in the FA Cup last season.

Everton

Everton recovered from the humiliation at the hands of Reading in the FA Cup last week by earning a good away win at Newcastle. The Toffees came from a goal behind to get the victory despite being without midfielders Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini who should also miss out on Wednesday. Everton are starting to build a bit of momentum after a slow start and might still hold hopes of qualifying for European football next season. Louis Saha has been in good form in recent months and the Frenchman is well worth a look at 5.5 with Skybet to open the scoring on the night. Everton have struggled slightly at home this season after winning just 5 of their 13 matches but they are firm favourites and best priced at 1.57 with Betfred to get the result on the night. It is also worth bearing in mind that Merseysiders haven’t lost at home in the league since November.

Birmingham

The Carling Cup winners were brought back down to earth at the weekend when they lost a local derby against West Brom and slipped into the relegation zone. The Blues do have 2 games in hand on some of the teams around them but will need to start turning some of their draws into wins, after drawing 12 of their 27 games, if they are to climb clear of safety this season. Their away form will also have to improve as they have won only 2 games away from St Andrews this season. However keeping it tight at the back has not been a problem for Birmingham and they have conceded the least number of goals in the bottom 8 this season. So despite being underdogs at 7.0 with Paddy Power you get the feeling that if they can find the net on Wednesday, the Blues might have a chance of walking away with something. Obafemi Martins got the winning goal against Arsenal in the cup final and the Striker is looking good at 4.33 to score at any time with Bet365.

Highlighted Bets

Louis Saha first goal scorer – 5.5 Sky bet
Birmingham WIN – 7.0 Paddy Power
Obafemi Martins anytime scorer – 4.33 Bet365
Both teams to score first half – 6.0 Sky bet

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Chelsea vs Sunderland

Chelsea vs Sunderland betting preview

Chelsea: League Position: 1st, League Form: DWWLW

League leaders have been playing below average lately, yet they’ve not moved from 1st spot in the table and are still four points clear. Even in their one defeat over the past five games they did everything but score against Liverpool. Their run of poor form has coincided with Didier Drogba’s indifferent performances, which can now be put down to malaria. Having now been treated, expect the usual snarling Drogba to return.

Chelsea have to handle the continued absence of Frank Lampard, who this week injured himself further in training and faces a further three weeks out, and must now go forward without Michael Essien for three matches after his midweek red card. With Anelka a doubt too, Chelsea must show the strength of their squad as the games come thick and fast.

Unfortunately for the other sides in the league, they do have players capable of filling the void.

Sunderland: League Position: 8th, League Form: DWLWD

At home, Sunderland have held the best teams in the league. But away from home, they’re capable of losing 5-1 to rivals Newcastle. As big a threat as Andy Carroll is, he’s not Didier Drogba just yet.

Steve Bruce’s side are capable of breaking into Europe this year, and also capable of getting involved in a relegation fight. It’s hard to track the progress the side has made since Bruce took over. They’ve spent a good chunk of money and pose a threat to every side in the league, yet they can’t consistently perform and the team Bruce has built must face serious scrutiny if they fall to the lower half of the table again come the end of the season.

Star player and top goalscorer Darren Bent is out, but Ghanaian World Cup star Asamoah Gyan has stepped up fantastically with three goals in his last two games. He’s the real quality player than can threaten Chelsea in this match, but he lacks support and could find this a frustrating tie.

Match Prediction: Chelsea Win

Sunderland are strong enough at home to frustrate and deny Chelsea over 90 minutes, but Stamford Bridge is a whole different prospect for sides like Sunderland. Yet to concede at home and averaging just under 3 goals a game, Chelsea are unstoppable on their own ground.

Although saved midweek by Michael Essien, who was later dismissed for a reckless challenge, it’s the ability of one player to win a match for the Champions, an ability that is available across the pitch from many world class players. And more than any team in the Premiership, they can grind out wins against the sternest defences and on their own poorest days.

All this against a Sunderland side yet to win away from home this year, having scored only 12 goals home and away so far, compared to the 17 Chelsea have put away in front of their own fans, plus another 11 on the road.

Whilst Drogba slowly finds his rhythm again, it’s been a couple of weeks since Malouda ran a game like he did as the season got under way. With injuries and suspensions all over the park, Chelsea may need Malouda to step again. An attacking threesome of Malouda, Drogba and Kalou will definitely get chances however the game goes.

Highlighted Bets:-

Over/Under: Over 2.5 goals – 1.62 Victor Chandler
First Goalscorer: Malouda – 6.5 Bet 365
Correct Score: 3-0 Chelsea – 8.00 Victor Chandler

Match Odds:-

Chelsea – 1.25 Paddy Power,
Draw – 6.5 Bet Fred
Sunderland – 17.00 Stan James

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Premier League betting – Chelsea vs Stoke odds

Chelsea vs Stoke betting preview

Carlo Ancelotti conceded that the red mist descended on John Terry after his sending off in the 2-1 defeat at Spurs. And now the Blues’ must prepare to do battle with Stoke on Sunday without their skipper. Terry’s sending off at White Hart Lane summed up a disappointing afternoon and ended the FA Cup finalists four match winning run. Tony Pulis’ Stoke side visit the Bridge looking to avenge the reverse fixture at the Britannia in September, where Chelsea came from behind to win thanks to a 94th minute Florent Malouda winner. The Potters’ FA Cup run was also ended by the Blues’ in March at the quarter final stage, and the bookies are sounding Stoke out of this one at a massive 20/1, Chelsea are poor value at 1/6 while the draw pays out at 7/1 with Bet365.

While Chelsea left White Hart Lane empty handed at the weekend, Manchester United blew the title race wide open thanks to Paul Scholes’ last-gasp header at Eastlands. One point now separates the leading pair, but Chelsea face a difficult trip to Anfield in their next game which could be the season defining game. The Blues’ are odds on at 8/13 to hold the Premier League Crown aloft on May 9, but United are breathing right down their necks and at 11/8, they could yet nick the closest title race in Premier League history. Prior to their loss at Spurs, Chelsea had taken maximum points from their last four outings including victory at Old Trafford. A league and cup double is still on the horizon, so snap up the 15/8 SkyBet are offering for Chelsea to end the campaign with two pieces of silverware.

It was the Potters versus the Trotters last weekend, but it was Owen Coyle’s men who came out on top thanks to a late Matty Taylor double salvo. Wanderers inflicted only Stoke’s sixth home defeat of the season leaves the club mulling over mid-table mediocrity guaranteeing a third season in England’s top division. The Staffordshire based club’s bold, unfashionable, physical approach at the Britannia has caused problems for every visiting team, yet their away form this season has been something of a worry. They have won only three times on their travels all season and have hit just 9 goals in the process, the lowest in the league. Their inconsistent form of late has seen two wins, two draws and two defeats but three more points from their remaining four games will see them better last term’s tally of 45.

The Stamford Bridge faithful have yet to witness their side fail to score at home this season. The majority of these goals have been scored by Didier Drogba and it is no surprise he is the bookies favourite to open the scoring on Sunday at 9/4. Frank Lampard netted a late consolation at Spurs and has rediscovered his goal scoring from of late, scoring four against Aston Villa at the end of March, he looks a good bet at 4/1 to break the deadlock. Perhaps better value is for the England midfielder and Florent Malouda to both score in the game, SkyBet offer a plausible 5/1. Stoke’s main goal threat lies with Ricardo Fuller, the Jamaican already has eight goals to his name this term, 14/1 says he grabs the opener in this one. The Blues have rolled teams over at the Bridge on many occasions this campaign, they have scored three or more goals in thirteen games here in all competitions. With this in mind and Stoke’s poor scoring record on the road, it might be worth a flutter on the 13/10 with William Hill that Chelsea score over 3.5 goals.

Can Stoke upset the odds and have a big say in the destination of the Premier League title? Get your spectacles and find out ready because this one’s live in 3D.

Recommended bets:

Over 3.5 goals @ 13/10 with William Hill. Visit William Hill

By Mikey Mumford

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Premier League betting – Chelsea vs Spurs

Chelsea vs Spurs betting odds, tips & free bets

There’s another big London Derby on Saturday evening as Chelsea and Tottenham clash at Stamford Bridge as both sides look for a strong finish to the season. This tie has produced some great games over recent years but Chelsea’s record against Spurs at Stamford Bridge is fantastic after winning 12 of the last 18 meetings in all competitions. Spurs may be wanting revenge though after Chelsea won this fixture 3-0 last season.

Chelsea

The Blues appear of have made one last challenge for the Premier League title after winning 7 of their last 8 league matches and conceding just 6 goals. Chelsea do still have a chance of reclaiming their title but it relies on current leaders Manchester United slipping up and the Blues will have to overcome a tough task against Spurs on Saturday. Carlo Ancelotti’s men have a good record at home against Tottenham recently but they have lost their last 2 trips to White Hart Lane. Fernando Torres scored his first Chelsea goal last time out and so he should be brimming with confidence ahead of the weekend, with this in mind then the striker is looking good at 5.5 with Paddy Power to open the scoring. Chelsea’s good form makes them clear favourites for the tie and a correct score of 2-0 is showing nicely with odds of 8.25 available from Unibet.

Tottenham

Tottenham’s challenge for a Champions League place come the end of the season took a bother blow on Monday when they drew 2-2 at home with West Brom. This draw means they are now 4 points behind Manchester City with 4 games to go and facing a tough trip to Chelsea on Saturday. It appears that it has been a matter of too many draws for Spurs this season as they have tied 5 of their last 6 Premier League matches. What is more worrying for Harry Redknapp though, is the fact that they have conceded 10 goals in those 6 games, an issue that will need to be addressed if they are to get a result at Stamford Bridge. Rafael Van Der Vaart has been a revelation this season after scoring 12 goals from midfield, and the Dutchman is looking good at 3.75 with Bet365 to score at any time.

Highlighted Bets

Fernando Torres first goal scorer – 5.5 Paddy Power
2-0 Chelsea – 8.0 Will Hill
Rafael Van Der Vaart anytime scorer – 3.75 Bet365
Drogba and Van Der Vaart to both score – 6.0 Paddy Power

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Chelsea vs Man Utd

Chelsea vs Man Utd betting preview

Chelsea     Form:WLLDDD     Position: 4th

Chelsea managed to steady the ship somewhat last weekend when they earned a 1-1 draw away at local rivals Tottenham as they attempt to reverse their poor run of form that has seen them fall to 4th in the league. Despite their slip in form the Blues go into the title 6 pointer favourites and best priced at 6/5with bet365 and several over bookmakers. Didier Drogba got on the score sheet last week before missing the decisive penalty, and may be looking to make amends on Sunday. With that in mind the Ivorian striker is a good price at 11/2 with Coral to open the scoring. The return to action of key trio Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and Michael Essien has come at the right time for manager Ancelotti. But the Blues will still be without defender Alex, midfielder Yossi Benayoun and Russian Yuri Zherkov.

Man Utd     Form:WDDWWW     Position: 1st

Man United’s good recent form has put them in a very good position, top of the Premier League by 2 points and a game in hand over their nearest challengers. While Sir Alex Ferguson’s men still haven’t lost a game in the league and will go into Sunday’s game looking for their first win at Stamford Bridge since 2002. Dimitar Berbatov is United’s and the League’s top scorer with 11 goals from 13 matches, and the Bulgarian is best priced at 23/10 with extrabet to score at any time. Striker Wayne Rooney is continuing his comeback after his leave of absence, but Owen Hargreaves, Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen are still set to miss out through injury.

Match Prediction: Chelsea WIN best priced at 6/5with Bet365
Despite Chelsea taking only 6 points from their last 6 matches, they will be boosted by the return of Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba and could end Man United’s unbeaten to start to the season. Although, as with the previous few meetings between the two in London it should be a tight game that could well end in a draw. A 2-1 Chelsea victory is showing good odds of 17/2 with SkyBet, although the safer bet of 1-1 is also a good value at 6-1 with William Hill. Both teams missed penalties in their last match and if you think either team will miss another spot kick then odds of 8/1 are available with Coral.
Highlighted Bets
2-1 Chelsea Win – 17/2 Sky Bet
Didier Drogba to score and be booked – 6/1 Paddy Power
Dimitar Berbatov to score at any time – 23/10 Extrabet

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Chelsea v Man United

Chelsea v Manchester United betting odds, tips & free bets

Chelsea have the perfect opportunity to get their league form back on track when they host Manchester United on Tuesday evening. Although it would take something special for the Blues to retain their league title they could put a dent in their rival’s ambitions. On the other hand the Red Devils could make a serious statement with a win on Tuesday but they haven’t won at Stamford Bridge since 2002.

Chelsea

Chelsea may have turned the corner after a good win last time out over Copenhagen in the Champions League. In doing so manager Ancelotti reverted to a 442 formation partnering Nicholas Anelka and Fernando Torres to good success.  Striker Anelka got the plaudits on the night after scoring 2 goals and the Frenchman is a great price at 7.0 with bet365 and Paddy Power to open the scoring. It still remains to be seen if Ancelotti will stick with this system against the league leaders though or if he reverts back to a 433 in the comfort of home surroundings. Fernando Torres is still awaiting his first Chelsea goal but the striker is best priced at 2.62 with sportingbet to score at any time. Chelsea are favourites for the big clash and best priced at 2.25 with Boylesports to win the game despite falling out of the title race and into 5th place in recent months.

Man United

Manchester United are enjoying a good season and are in prime position in the league going into the business end of the season. The Red Devils have only lost once in the league all season but their away form has been a bit shaky after winning just 4 of their 13 games. Wayne Rooney also looks to be finding some form again after scoring in consecutive league games and the England striker is a good bet at 3.1 with bet365 to get on the score sheet at any time. Clashes between the two sides have been fairly close over the last few seasons and that could continue again with a 1-1 draw looking like a good pick at 7.0 with William Hill. A half time/full time of Chelsea/Draw is definitely worth a look with odds of 16.0 at unibet.

Highlighted Bets

Correct score 1-1 – 7.0 William Hill
Chelsea WIN – 2.25 Boylesports
Nicholas Anelka first goal scorer – 7.0 Bet365
Wayne Rooney anytime scorer – 3.1 Bet365
HT/FT of Chelsea/Draw – 16.0 Unibet

By Sam Markham

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Premier League betting – Chelsea vs Man City

h2> Chelsea Vs Man City betting preview

Manchester City travel to leaders Chelsea on Saturday but all eyes will be on John Terry and Wayne Bridge. The pair are due to meet on the pitch for the first time since details of the alleged affair were made public. Bridge this week declared himself unavailable for selection for the World Cup squad, so it will be interesting how the pair pit their wits against each other come Saturday Lunchtime. Terry’s Chelsea are odds on to maintain their unbeaten home record at 4/9, Bridge’s City are a massive 7/1 to win at the Bridge and the draw is trading at 10/3 with Coral.

Chelsea slipped to a narrow defeat in the San Siro in midweek against Internazionale in the Champions League. Despite outplaying their Italian counterparts for long periods, the Blues did manage to grab an all important away goal which means the return leg is evenly poised. Domestically, the Blues’ lead at the Premier League summit was cut to just one point after Manchester United won comfortably against West Ham on Tuesday. But Carlo Ancelotti’s side are yet to be beaten at Stamford Bridge; United, Arsenal and Liverpool all succumbing to defeats in West London.

The pair last met at Eastlands in early December when Mark Hughes’ City side inflicted a 2-1 defeat on the league leaders. Roberto Mancini took over the reigns from Hughes and have lost just twice in the league under his stewardship. It’s always difficult for any manager taking over a team halfway through the season, but it is questionable whether they have improved under the Italian. The Citizens are in the middle of a mini crisis having drawn their last three league outings and they were knocked out of the FA Cup in midweek at Stoke which ended their hopes of any silverware this season. They currently lie 5th in the table level on points with Spurs who occupy the final Champions League spot. Is this the best time to be visiting Stamford Bridge after Chelsea’s midweek San Siro defeat or should they fear a Blues backlash?

Carlos Tevez’s recent absence meant the Argentine missed City’s toothless stalemate against Liverpool last weekend. He returned to his homeland under a cloud after his wife gave birth prematurely and there were fears he wasn’t going to make the trip to the Bridge. But he is set to be available and how City need their star striker back to inject some firepower and provide the cutting edge in attack. He is 8/1 with Blue Square to score first. Carlo Ancelotti will be looking for a response from his players after the 2-1 defeat at Inter. Didier Drogba was well marshalled by the impressive Lucio in the San Siro and failed to add to his 25 goals this term. The Ivorian scored a brace last time out at Wolves and will be a popular pick at 7/2 with Bet365 to break the deadlock.

City will be without Emmanuel Adebayor who was sent off in the cup tie at Stoke on Wednesday, so Roque Santa Cruz will probably come in for the Togolese striker. Bellamy who scored in midweek, may line up on the wing, as City aim to be the first team to leave the Bridge with all three points this season. Ancelotti will be aware of City’s frailties in defence and Stoke were able to expose this by slamming 3 past Shay Given. Expect there to be goals in this one for leaders and take up the attractive 7/5 Paddy Power are offering that the home side win to nil.

Betting Verdict

Chelsea have won all but one Premier League game at the Bridge, and when you look at Man City’s woeful recent form, especially away from home, a large bet on Chelsea to win at 1.44 with Betfred

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