Champions Chelsea can prove their class
ACCORDING to the bookies the title is set to be fought out between these two clubs and just a week into the new season we have the first big battle.
It just shows how fickle the betting markets have become that the favourites for the league have flip-flopped after Chelsea drew at home to Swansea and Manchester City beat West Brom in the opening round.
At around 17:50 on Sunday the situation could well be reversed once again.
It’s not been the best of starts for Jose Mourinho, with a Community Shield defeat to Arsenal and then those two dropped points at home, but he won’t be pressing the panic button just yet.
Although his side failed to beat Man City last season, both meetings finished 1-1, he did the double against them two seasons back. And he’s an absolute genius in these massive games.
Chelsea have been criticised for ‘parking the bus’ when they take on the top sides and they will certainly be looking for some defensive decorum after conceding twice last weekend.
They’ll definitely need to up their game. City looked good at the Hawthorns on Monday night – Yaya Toure is seemingly back to his old self, while David Silva showed off his customary silky skills.
However, in truth, there is very little between these two sides and Chelsea look the value at 13/5 with Sportingbet.
Their first team is probably slightly stronger and Mourinho’s tactical nous could just give them the edge.
I like the look of a 1-0 Chelsea win at 11/1. That was the score here two years ago, while it would have been the same scoreline last term if Frank Lampard hadn’t netted a late equaliser against his old club.
Spread bettors are advised to sell total goals at 2.6 with Sporting Index. I expect the defences to hold the key to this encounter.
▀ Pointers…
Chelsea at 13/5 (Sportingbet)
Chelsea to win 1-0 at 11/1 (general)
Sell total goals at 2.6 (Sporting Index)