Chelsea got off to a steady start on Sunday with a 2-0 home win against Wigan. They were largely untested in that fixture and should expect a sterner test against Reading but should have enough to in their locker to secure the three points. They are likely to be without the influential Ramires although he may step in to midfield in place of Ryan Bertrand and Marko Marin is still unavailable to make his debut. New signing Eden Hazard had a big part to play in both goals against Wigan and is hotly tipped to open his account on Wednesday night; Skybet is offering an attractive price boost of 6.5 to be first goalscorer.
Reading got a good point in their first fixture back in the premier league after a four year exodus. They battled well to draw 1-1 with Stoke, the team that wealthy owner Anton Zingarevich has stated he wants his new club to emulate. That said we can expect this Reading side to dig their heels in and play defensively and aggressively from the first whistle. Paddy Power is offering 6.5 for a card to be shown to a Reading player in the first fifteen minutes and the same odds to have a player sent off at any time. Goalkeeper Robert Federici apologised for his howler which caused Stoke’s goal and will be looking to make a mends, especially after the signing of experienced keeper Stuart Taylor so expect to see him on form.
Match Prediction: Chelsea Win 1-0
Reading have only taken one point from Chelsea in four previous meetings and have failed to win at Stamford Bridge in nine attempts so history is stacked against McDermott’s side although I doubt he will be concerned about that when preparing his team for this one. It promises to be an enticing affair but I think Chelsea will have enough to win this one, although it would not be overly surprisingly if Reading scrape a draw again as they will need no motivation for this one. Paddy Power are offering a tempting 9 for a 1-1 draw. If Chelsea are to close the gap on the Manchester clubs and improve on last season’s sixth place then it is essential they put a run together early season and for that reason I think Roberto Di Matteo will have them focused for this one and see them edging 1-0, again Paddy Power are offering good odds on this with 6.
Eden Hazard first goalscorer- 6.5 Skybet
Readingto have a player sent off- 6.5 Paddy Power
Reading to be shown a card in first fifteen minutes- 6.5 Paddy Power
Chelsea win 1-0- 6 Paddy Power
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