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Football Betting – All the best odds ahead of the big London Derby as Fulham host Chelsea……
Ancellotti on Luiz……
With Brazil international Luiz due to make his first Chelsea start against Fulham on Monday night, Terry could be rotated out of the defence and with Branislav Ivanovic and the injured Alex also pushing for selection at centre back, all four players will have to take turns on the bench.
Claim your free Bet…
Lampard Interview………
Fernando Torres’ Chelsea debut ended in the disappointment of defeat and a failure to last 90 minutes against his former club as Liverpool’s revival under Kenny Dalglish continued with victory at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s £50m British record buy from Liverpool cut a subdued figure and was well shackled before being replaced by Salomon Kalou after only 66 minutes. Read more at the BBC
WILLIAM HILL now make Carlo Ancelotti the same odds – 5/6 still to be Chelsea boss on the first day of next season as he is NOT to be.
‘Rumours hint that Ancelotti was not the driving force behind the Torres transfer, and with Chelsea struggling to remain serious title contenders here re genuine doubts about his long term future at the club’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe, ‘Whereas Kenny Dalglish now looks almost unbackable to get the Liverpool job on a permanent basis – he’s a 1/7 shot to do that, 4/1 not to’
LIVERPOOL are now 7/1 with Hills to win a Champions League place.
Hills…..Where Will Liverpool Finish?
1st – 4th7/1
5th – 10th1/8
11th – 17th8/1
18th -19th100/1
Bottom150/1
Hills….When Will Torres Score His First Chelsea Goal?
Fulham (A)11/10
Birmingham (H)7/4
Man Utd (H)9/2
Blackpool (A)5/1
Man City (H)12/1
None of these fixtures9/2
Fixtures must be played in above order or bets void. Torres MUST play some part in Fulham (A) Fixture.
Hills…..Ancelotti to be manager of Chelsea on 1st day of 2011/12 Season?
Yes – 5/6
No – 5/6
**Kenny Dalglish to be given the Liverpool manager job on permanent basis – 1/7 YES; 4/1 NO
MAN UTD are now 4/6 title favourites with Hills who also offer 9/4 Arsenal; 8/1 Chelsea; 12/1 Man C; 80/1 Spurs; 300/1 Liverpool.
THERE WAS ONE TORRES WINNER!
Punters betting on Fernando Torres did get paid out by Hills if they backed Daniel Agger to be the first player to foul him – at odds of 8/1.
WHO’LL FINISH BOTTOM?
There is a closer battle at the bottom than at the top of the Premier League and William Hill make Wigan 9/4 favourites in an open looking race for bottom position for which they also offer 11/4 West Ham; 9/2 Wolves; 5/1 Blackpool; 6/1 WBA; 9/1 Birmingham.
HILLS….To be relegated – 8/15 Wigan (11/8 stay up); 8/11 West Ham (Evens); 5/6 Wolves (5/6); 11/8 Blackpool; 7/4 WBA; 7/2 Birmingham; 9/1 Newcastle.
Football Betting, Chelsea v Liverpool
Fernando Torres is set to make his Chelsea debut against his former team-mates at Liverpool this weekend, and William Hill have opened a book on which of those team-mates will be the first to foul him. It is ironic that the first game is against Liverpool and former boss Kenny Dalglish….
Torres and David Luis has started training with Chelsea and they go straight in to the spotlight as they take on Liverpool. Chelsea have had a bad time of late, will the new signings change the fortunes of Chelsea?
The big question though is how will Fernando Torres former team mates react as they come up against the former Kop star? ‘Of course not one Liverpool player will wish Torres anything other than a successful career at Chelsea, nor will any of them wish to be found guilty of foul play against him – but it is inevitable that one or more of them will foul him, and we rate Jamie Crragher as the most likely to do so first’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.
Football Betting- Chelsea v Liverpool…. Live odds
Chelsea are big favourites at 1.62 with value to be had for Liverpool backers. This is a game about more than just three points and is all about one man, Fernando Torres!
Football Betting Special…..First Liverpool Player To Foul Torres
Jamie Carragher
6/1
Martin Skrtel
7/1
Sotirios Kyrgiakos
7/1
Daniel Agger
8/1
Lucas
9/1
Steven Gerrard
9/1
Martin Kelly
10/1
Fabio Aurelio
11/1
Glen Johnson
11/1
Jay Spearing
11/1
Raul Meireles
11/1
Danny Wilson
12/1
Christian Poulsen
14/1
Joe Cole
16/1
Jonjo Shelvey
16/1
Dirk Kuyt
20/1
Pepe Reina
20/1
David Ngog
25/1
Luis Suarez
25/1
Maxi Rodriguez
25/1
Milan Jovanovic
33/1
One fifth one,two, three.
How Many Different Liverpool Players Will Commit A Foul On Torres?
0-1
4/1
2-3
11/8
4-5
7/4
6 or more
3/1
Torres MUST start the game or bets void.
Any player to receive a straight red card for a foul on Fernando Torres 33/1
Live Football Betting Update, Tuesday 1 February….
Big Spending Chelsea are 4-5 to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light… Is this value? Stephane Sessegnon will make his Sunderland debut but fellow new signing Sulley Muntari is unavailable. Torres is not in the squad. Surely Chelsea are good value to beat Sunderland? Latest Betting prices….
Sir Alex Ferguson should have significant reinforcements to his defence when Manchester United bid to extend their unbeaten run to 24 games when they tackle Aston Villa at Old Trafford.
Arsenal will be without centre-half Sebastien Squillaci (suspension) and midfielder Samir Nasri (hamstring) for Tuesday’s Barclays Premier League clash against Everton at Emirates Stadium.
Treble Chance…
Chelsea
Manchester United
Arsenal
Good Luck
It’s back to the Premier League after the midweek European adventures of some Premier League clubs. Last weekend was the first time for a couple of years that none of the traditional big four teams managed to win, could it happen again?
Berbatov playing well for United
Well I think it is highly unlikely, to say the least! 16/1 was on offer this week about all the British teams winning in the a year on and on and on and on and on for a you are or qualify as atle one todayey did, including Rangers.
The big game of the weekend is on Sunday when Chelsea host Arsenal at Stamford Bridge, possibly the game of the season so far. Chelsea were beaten last week for the first time, having won their first five games, at Manchester City. Arsenal were humiliated at home by Bolton, hardly sparkling form from either team.
Arsenal have some high-profile long-term injuries wearers Chelsea have the key absence of Frank Lampard to contend with but for me Chelsea will be too strong and I strongly fancy them to win this game. Chelsea are a maximum bet and I think a very good bet indeed to be Arsenal.
Although their reserve goalkeeper played very well in Europe this week it is a position that is causing Arsene Wenger plenty of exactly where is Chelsea looked rocksolid between the sticks.
Arsenal - face Chelsea
Manchester United should get back to winning ways away at Sunderland. Steve Bruce’s men got a result at Anfield but this is a totally different proposition and for me Manchester United are rock solid here. It is unlikely that Wayne Rooney will figure but I am maintaining that United are a better team without him, currently, given his recent woeful form. He needs to sort out his personal problems so he can come back and apply his mind to the job in hand, that of playing football. I of course wishing well but fully agree with Sir Alex Ferguson (which I am sure he really doesn’t care about) that for the time being Rooney is best left on the sidelines. United are bankers in my view.
On Sunday Liverpool host Blackpool and it would be nothing short of a disaster if Liverpool were not to win, and win decisively, against the Premier League’s new boys. The men in orange have started brightly in fairness in the big league but have been dreadfully exposed when playing the big teams conceding six and four against Arsenal and Chelsea respectively. The way things are and field they would settle for a one nil win bought let’s be honest here, they should destroy Blackpool in the same way that Chelsea and Arsenal did. So Liverpool are taken to win again, if they don’t they could be in big trouble!
Manchester City beat Chelsea at home last week. This time it is Newcastle who they entertain at Eastlands. I think that I will pass on this game for the simple reason that City are just too unpredictable at the moment, brilliant at times, frustrating on occasion. I fully expect city to win but they have not always delivered the goods recently, so I will pass here. Looking at recent stats it would be no surprise to see this game and in a draw, which you may want to consider at a decent price.
Andrey Arshavin, Marouane Chamakh and Sebastien Squillaci earned Arsenal a 3-1 win at Partizan Belgrade in their Champions League Group H game. Chelsea remain top of their Champions League group after first-half goals from John Terry and Nicolas Anelka helped them to seal a comfortable victory over Marseille at Stamford Bridge.
Carlo Ancelotti admitted Chelsea are in pole position to win Group F of the Champions League after cruising past Marseille.
Can Manchester United win in Valencia tonight?
Rio Ferdinand looks set to make his first start of the season for Manchester United alongside new club captain Nemanja Vidic in central defence. Both of Ferdinand’s starts this season have been without Nemanja Vidic, so the backline will have stability. The same cannot be said for the frontline with Wayne Rooney not making the trip to Spain, sidelined with injury.
This looks an exceedingly tough game for Manchester United, away to Valencia, who currently sit proudly at the top of La Liga. United have conceded nine goals in their last five Premier League games, a statistic that will no doubt worry Sir Alex Ferguson. Paul Scholes is rested for tonight’s game, but Berbatov is in sparkling form and will lead the line, probably alongside Michael Owen who scored a fantastic goal at the weekend.
The betting would suggest that this is our tight game, and indeed Valencia are favourites to win but there is value to be had whichever way you decide to go here. United are best price 15 to 8, which given recent form is about right. I personally have been of the view that United would be a better team without Rooney and now that theory will be put to the test. I am a backer of Manchester United this evening, despite the form of Valencia. There will be in the region of 2200 United fans at the game and with the warm weather it should be an enjoyable trip, made all the better by the United win, hopefully.
Tottenham Hotspur host Dutch champions FC Twente. Dawson and Gallas are both out injured and with Ledley King doubtful and a long-term injury to Jermaine Defoe Harry Redknapp has injury concerns. Redknapp is not too downhearted as he points out that Peter Crouch and new signing Van De Vart can both score goals. Spurs have the added bonus of having Dutchman Van De Vart on the team who knows the Dutch opposition very well. The good news for Spurs is that first choice keeper Gomes could be back after a month on the sidelines.
Spurs should win this game, indeed they are odds-on to do so, but it will not be easy. I expect Spurs to win in 5 to 6 looks fair.
Rangers have the benefit of home advantage this evening but this looks a tight game and I advise no bet.
Latest Champions League betting…
WILLIAM HILL offer 6/5 that NO British teams will reach the Champions League Final, 5/6 that just one will do so, and 7/1 that two will do so.
Hills make Chelsea 6/4 favourites to go furthest of the British teams and also offer 2/1 Man U; 5/2 Arsenal; 8/1 Spurs; 25/1 Rangers.
LATEST WILLIAM HILL CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ODDS:
Champions League Outright
Barcelona11/4
Chelsea9/2
Real Madrid5/1
Man Utd9/1
Arsenal11/1
Bayern Munich14/1
Inter Milan14/1
AC Milan20/1
Tottenham33/1
Lyon40/1
Roma40/1
Valencia40/1
Benfica50/1
Werder Bremen66/1
Schalke80/1
Spartak Moscow100/1
Marseille125/1
Shakhtar Donetsk125/1
Ajax150/1
Rubin Kazan150/1
Braga200/1
Another weekend of Premier League Football gets underway with the big game being Manchester City against Chelsea. Roberto Mancini has already conceded the Premier League title to Chelsea.
Chelsea could be a great value bet....
This seems like career suicide with such ambitious owners at Eastland’s that after only five games the manager would write-off his clubs Premier league ambitions. After spending more than £100million on new players this summer, it was felt Manchester City would be able to provide some sort of challenge for the championship, even if they eventually fell short.
Chelsea have started with five games unbeaten, and a maximum haul of points. Sir Alex Ferguson wasted no time in pointing out that the blues have had rather an easy start to their Premier league defence. That said Manchester United would call matches against Everton and Fulham, where they dropped points, amongst the easier fixtures on the calendar. Chelsea represent fantastic value at odds against and are my best bet of the weekend, in fact I recommend and maximum bet on Chelsea to beat Manchester City at Eastlands.
Saturday Fixtures;
Sunday
For a multi-bet I am playing it safe with Manchester United (away to Bolton), Arsenal (at home to West Brom) and Liverpool (at home to Sunderland). Also in the SPL Celtic should beat Hibs at Parkhead and Rangers should land an away win on Sunday at Aberdeen. Our five team accumulator should land a nice return.
We go with two bets, and nice single, maximum bet on Chelsea and a five timer, as above. Hang on to your hats!
Although we concentrate on the Premier league here, you may remember I did advise backing a Rotherham United to win league two. On Saturday Rotherham host Chesterfield in our South Yorkshire derby and at odds against Rotherham are a standout bet, so for our Brucie bonus let’s back Rotherham United to beat Chesterfield, in a single, on Saturday.
Enhanced Accas
Table Toppers Premier Bankers Weekend Live Home Bankers Saturday Certs
Chelsea Chelsea Chelsea Arsenal Arsenal
QPR Man Utd Man Utd Liverpool Real Madrid
Huddersfield Arsenal Aston Villa Cardiff Bayern Munich
Shrewsbury Liverpool Newcastle Burnley Celtic
All to win 28/1 All to win 5/1 All to win 18/1 All to win 5/1 All to win 2/1
Away Bankers Saturday Live Sunday Live
Chelsea Man Utd Man Utd
Tottenham Aston Villa Aston Villa
Man Utd Newcastle Newcastle
All to win 6/1 All to win 7/1 All to win 7/1
Which Match Most Goals? – To Close 12:00 25/09/10
Arsenal v West Brom 11/4
Bolton v Man Utd 6/1
Blackpool v Blackburn 8/1
West Ham v Tottenham 8/1
Man City v Chelsea 9/1
Liverpool v Sunderland 9/1
Wolves v Aston Villa 11/1
Newcastle v Stoke 11/1
Birmingham v Wigan 12/1
Fulham v Everton 12/1
Premier League Results – To Close 12:00 25/09/10
| Total Home Wins | |
| Under 4.5 | 8/15 |
| Over 4.5 | 6/4 |
| Total Draws | |
| Under 2.5 | 10/11 |
| Over 2.5 | 10/11 |
| Total Away Wins | |
| Under 3.5 | 8/13 |
| Over 3.5 | 5/4 |
After the European midweek action it is back to the Premier League this weekend with the big game being on Sunday as Manchester United host Liverpool. Can Chelsea continue their free scoring Premier League form?
Can United take back the Premier League Crown this season?
Saturday’s fixtures…
The best of the action it is definitely on Sunday but there should be easy pickings on Saturday, free football betting tips from racing diary…
Gerard Houllier has taken over at Villa which should study the ship and he could not have wished for a better game than a home fixture against Bolton. The visitors even at this early stage of the season have settled into an mid-table mediocre position which in truth is the best that they can hope for over a season. This is a game that Villa should win. There will be plenty of motivation from the Villa frontline as Houllier has publicly stated that he is interested in bringing Michael Owen to the Midlands from Manchester United. Owen played for Liverpool under Houllier and the Frenchman is a confirmed admirer of the former England star’s talents. With the honeymoon period that usually follows such a managerial appointment Villa look a rock solid bet on Saturday.
Advice: back Aston Villa to beat Bolton.
After four games played Everton find themselves with only the pointless West Ham below them in the Premier league table. Saturdays visitors to Goodison Park find themselves seventh from bottom as things stand and I suspect if they could end the season there then they would be happy. There is no doubt in my mind that Everton will finish well above Newcastle and certainly in the top half of the Premier League. This is no doubt again that David Moyes will expect to win.
The Toffees start to the season has not been easy but they showed great tenacity and fighting spirit to come back from 3-1 down to Manchester United and probably should have won that game and David Moyes’ outspoken criticism of the referee landed the Everton manager in hot water with the FA.
Steven Pienaar told the press this week that he has recovered from fatigue as a result of playing for South Africa in this summer’s World Cup and is fully focused on helping Everton to a first Premier league win of the season against Newcastle. We could see the return to Premier league action of former England international Sol Campbell who played for Newcastle reserves on Thursday night and could turn out for the magpies on his 35th birthday to shore up the Toon defence. He was an only used substitute in Saturday’s two nil home defeat by Blackpool, hardly form that can inspire us to back Newcastle.
Advice: back Everton to beat Newcastle
If you are considering a multi-bet this weekend then Arsenal are absolute bankers in my opinion. Despite short odds I will be having a nice bets on Arsenal who I think will cruise to victory against Steve Bruce’s side. Once again Arsenal played very well in Europe and should continue their great start to the season which has seen them accumulate 10 points from four games played with only Chelsea having more.
Advice: back Arsenal to beat Sunderland
Sunday…
Had United held on to their 3-1 lead at Goodison Park on Saturday before an injury time collapse then they would have 10 points from a possible 12. Despite the fact that Liverpool are a big-name as punters we have to judge this game on form and this is not on paper a difficult game force of Alex Ferguson’s side.
Unfortunately this fixture is not played on paper it is played on the pitch and Liverpool are always up for a battle at Old Trafford. That said Manchester United for me will prove too good and the best that Liverpool can hope for in my book is a draw. I expect United to win but I advise that our betting strategy is to turn to the betting exchanges and to lay Liverpool, which means should it end in a draw then we get paid. Rangers frustrated Manchester United here at Old Trafford on Tuesday but in truth United never looked like losing. I think we are safe in laying Liverpool here.
Rio Ferdinand told the press this week that he believes beating Liverpool would be a perfect tonic for the nightmare at Goodison Park last weekend. both United draws this season, at Fulham and Everton Ferdinand believes word needlessly conceded and already four points adrift of defending champions Chelsea he says United can ill afford to drop points in such a way.
United will of course be without the ill-fated Antonio Valencia, who will miss most of the season with that horrific ankle injury sustained against Rangers. United big names will be important and will need to be at their best to peg back a Liverpool side buoyed by a 4-1 win in the Europa league against Steaua Buchareston Thursday. I think the fact that United have had a longer break between games is also a crucial factor.
Advice: Lay Liverpool
Chelsea could hit a big total
Blackpool have started life in the Premier League in fine style but against Arsenal at the Emirates they showed just how vulnerable they are against the top sides. Chelsea are in sublime form and this could be a video nasty for the Blackpool fans on Sunday. There is no value as far as backing Chelsea is concerned, it is definitely one for the multi-bet and I think over 2.5 goals is probably nailed on here. So if you are having a coupon Chelsea are probably the best bet of the season, but here are some specials available on this game.
Stan James Premier League specials:
Total Home Wins
Under 4.5 – 13/8
Over 4.5 – 4/9
Total Draws
Under 2.5 – 8/11
Over 2.5 – 1/1
Total Away Wins
Under 2.5 – 4/5
Over 2.5 – 10/11
How many goals will Chelsea score against Blackpool?
0 16/1
1 7/1
2 4/1
3 7/2
4 4/1
5 7/1
6 or more 4/1
It has not escaped many people’s notice that Manchester City draw Premier League matches on a regular basis, particularly away from home. I think anything less than a win for the big spending Eastland’s side would be nothing short of a disaster and those of rumblings of discontent and media speculation about the future of Roberto Mancini will start to get louder.
That said I fully expect city to beat an inconsistent, at best, Wigan side and beat them, been them convincingly.
Advice: back Manchester City to beat Wigan.
Premier League Specials….
Man U are 6/4 favourites to remain unbeaten longest in the Premier League with William Hill who also offer 15/8 Chelsea; 7/2 Arsenal; 8/1 Birmingham; 40 Fulham. The market will be settled on the number of consecutive games unbeaten from the start of the season.
MANCINI ODDS-ON FOR CHOP BY END OF SEASON
MANCHESTER CITY boss Roberto Mancini is 8/11 NOT to see out the season in his post with William Hill who also make him 10/3 second favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave his club, behind only 5/2 favourite Avram Grant in the betting. ‘Mancini knew what he was taking on when he accepted the job and a few more games without a win could see him on his way.’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.
Hills have pushed City out to 14/1 to win the title and they are now 6/5 NOT to finish in the top four.
MANCINI to see out season as City boss?….Evens YES;;8/11 NO
CITY TO FINISH IN TOP FOUR?…..8/13 YES; 6/5 NO
NEXT PREM BOSS OUT…..5/2 Grant; 10/3 Mancini; 7/2 Martinez; 6 McLeish; 8 Hughton; 10 Moyes; 12 Di Matteo; 16 Holloway; Hughes.
CHELSEA 2/1 TO STAY TOP ALL SEASON
Chelsea are now 10/11 favourites to win the Premier League title with William Hill who also make them 2/1 to lead the division all season. ‘Chelsea already look as though they will be tough to peg back’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.
BETTING ON NORTH-SOUTH DIVIDE
This weekend 6 London clubs face 6 Northern (north of the Watford Gap) clubs in Premier League and Championship games, William Hill are asking which area will win most points:
The games are Stoke v West Ham, Spurs v Wolves, Sunderland v Arsenal, Chelsea v Blackpool, Palace v Burnley and Leicester v QPR.
Hills make London 1/2 favourites with The North 6/4 and a draw 16/1. ‘This is a great opportunity for fans to bet on the great north-south divide in football!’ said Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.
Hills offer 8/13 that a southern-based team will win the Prem; 6/5 a northern-based club.
Arsenal and Chelsea, confident bets on Wednesday both won very easily in the Champions League with a combined total of 10 goals.
Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas scored twice as Arsene Wenger’s entertainers handed Champions League newcomers Braga a European masterclass with a 6-0 demolition at the Emirates Stadium.
Chelsea also cruised through their opening Champions League game with a 4-1 demolition of Slovakian side MSK Zilina in Group F. The damage was done in the opening half with two goals from Nicolas Anelka and another from Michael Essien. Daniel Sturridge added a fourth early in the second-half before Tomas Oravec scored a consolation for the home side.
WILLIAM HILL now offer 7/1 against an all British Champions League final – and 6/1 that Arsenal will agin score six or more goals in the tournament this season. ‘Arsenal have again looked unstoppable against lesser opposition – can they prove this time rouns that they can also at last outclass the big boys as well?’ asked Hill’s spokesman Graham Sharpe.
Arsenal 1/50 QUAL – 12/1 NO
Chelsea 1/150 QUAL – 20/1 NO
Hills…Brit team to go furthest….
Chelsea – 6/4
Man Utd – 2/1
Arsenal – 5/2
Spurs – 8/1
Rangers – 25/1
British teams in final –
2 – 7/1
1 – 5/6
0 – 6/5
ARSENL 6 OR MORE
6/1 YES – 1/12
WILLIAM HILL…CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ODDS….11/4 Barcelona; 5/1 Chelsea; Real M; 11 Arsenal; 14 Bayern; 16 AC – Inter; 33 Spurs; 40 Lyon, Roma, Valencia; 50 Benfica; 66 Werder B; 200 Rangers.
TOP SCORER…..10/3 Messi; 5 Villa; 13/2 Hihuain; 8 Anelka; 9 Ibrahimovic; 11 Drogba; 12 Ronaldo; 16 Rooney.
Messi could be a good bet, just look at some of this football on Tuesday…..
After Manchester United drew with Rangers and Spurs threw away a two-goal lead to draw in Germany, on Tuesday, tonight it is the turn of Arsenal and Chelsea to fly the Premier League flag in the Champions League.
Arsenal v Braga…
I think Arsenal are a much better team this season than they have been in recent seasons and as such I expect them to do better in the Champions League this season. Theo Walcott, Robin van Persie (both ankle), Nicklas Bendtner (groin) and Aaron Ramsey (leg) remain out for The Gunners, but this has not inconvenienced them in the league.
Arsenal Team News: Arsenal will be without midfielder Abou Diaby (ankle) and defender Thomas Vermaelen (Achilles) for Wednesday’s Champions League Group H opener against Braga at Emirates Stadium. Fit-again winger Samir Nasri comes back into contention for the Emirates Stadium clash having recovered from knee surgery, while full-backs Gael Clichy and Bacary Sagna are expected to return after being rested for the Premier League win over Bolton.
Despite what looks like a long list of absentees Arsenal have a strong squad and should be far too good for the opposition this evening, which is reflected in their price of 1 to 4 to win the game. They should do so quite readily. Arsenal would be my first leg of a double with the second being Chelsea.
Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti has already named his side ahead of their Champions League opener in Group F against MSK Zilina on Wednesday night. The Chelsea line-up is: Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic, John Terry, Alex, Yuri Zhirkov, Michael Essien, Yossi Benayoun, John Obi Mikel, Daniel Sturridge, Florent Malouda and Nicolas Anelka.
John Terry is a welcome addition back to the side but Frank Lampard is sidelined with a hernia problem and fellow England star Ashley Cole is rested by the Chelsea coach. The squad though looked very strong and certainly their league form has been nothing short of sublime which does not bode well for tonight’s hosts. I fully expect Chelsea to justify short odds and what’s more I think they are the English side who will progress furthest in this competition.
I advise a double: Chelsea and Arsenal.
Chelsea are 2/9 to beat Zilina in their opening Champions League group match. The Slovaks are 12/1 to spring an upset, with the draw a 5/1 shot.
Arsenal are 1/4 to defeat Braga, while the Portuguese team, conquerors of Celtic in the qualifying rounds, are 11/1 to win at the Emirates.
With three London clubs taking part in the competition, it’s 25/1 that Wembley hosts an all-London Champions League final in May.
Zilina 12/1, Chelsea 2/9, Draw 5/1
Arsenal 1/4, Braga 11/1, Draw 9/2
To win the Champions League
Chelsea 6/1
Arsenal 14/1
Braga 150/1
Zilina 750/1
All London Final 25/1
Video preview….
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Steve Cauthen was 18 years old when he won the American Triple Crown on Affirmed, and Lester Piggott was the same age when he rode his first Derby winner at Epsom in 1954. But even now that Saturday's post-race adrenalin rush has started to subside, it is possible to argue that in terms of its impact and the manner in which it was achieved, Mickaël Barzalona's victory on Pour Moi has no … [Full Story...]
