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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