Month: August 2017

Chelsea saw off Tottenham at Wembley last weekend to claim their first points of the new Premier League season, but can they build on that against Everton? Spirits at Stamford Bridge have certainly been raised after that victory, while the board are still hard at work looking for new signings. Things are starting to look up for the champions, but the last thing they need is to have their momentum sapped by this hard-working Everton side. With an international break right around the corner, Antonio Conte will want his men departing from club duty on something of a high.

However, Everton have shown that they are tricky opponents in their opening games of the season. The Toffees do have a busy calendar after midweek Europa League action, but can they cause a shock at Stamford Bridge? With a poor record at this ground, it’s going to be tough for the visitors to take anything away from this one. With the opening day loss to Burnley in mind, the Blues need to be completely focused heading into this clash, or they could well drop more points.

Team News: Will Conte change his victorious side?

Conte went with a 3-5-2 set up last time out, but we can’t see a repeat of that here. That was a more defensive minded set up with Spurs having plenty of attacking options. At home, Conte will want a little more in attack, so expect a 3-4-3 set up this weekend. That frees up space for another advanced player, with Pedro the most likely to come in. Eden Hazard remains out, and it’s unlikely the Blues want to rush him back and risk him being called up by Belgium for their international games.

Everton played a similar 3-5-2 to Chelsea last weekend, and that is likely to be their approach here. That denied space to City and gave them counter attacking options, and we can see them trying to use that system again. However, Koeman may be slightly worried by the fact that he tried to match Conte’s three at the back here last season, and ended up being hammered 5-0.

Everton Form

Everton have made a strong start to the new season, as they’ve taken four points from their opening two. They came close to winning at Manchester City, but the Toffees had to settle for a 1-1 draw at the Etihad. Having beaten Stoke on the opening day, Koeman’s team have also been progressing well in Europe. They’ve managed to keep things tight so far in all their games, while they do have a few concerns up front. Wayne Rooney has two goals in two, but is he really enough up front to be effective for the season? Unless they add another forward the Toffees could be short on goals this term.

Everton’s European ambitions could hamper them here, following their game in Croatia on Thursday night. That’s not much of a window to return back and prepare for this game, so we might see a more undercooked Everton this time around. Antonio Conte knows how key it is to have a week to build up to big games, having enjoyed a season with next to no midweek commitments last term.

Chelsea vs Everton Head to Head

Chelsea were big winners home and away against Everton last year. Their 5-0 win at the Bridge continued a strong record over the Toffees, as the Blues have now won five of the last six meetings at home. Can they carry that on this week and make it two wins from two? Having seen how Ronald Koeman set up at City, it’s certainly going to be a tough test for Conte and co.

• Everton 0-3 Chelsea, Apr 2017
• Chelsea 5-0 Everton, Nov 2016
• Everton 2-0 Chelsea, Mar 2016
• Chelsea 3-3 Everton, Jan 2016
• Everton 3-1 Chelsea, Sept 2015

Betting Tips

• Both teams to score – 11/10 with Betfred
• Pedro to score – 7/4 with Ladbrokes

Chelsea are huge favourites coming into this one, with Coral making them just 2/5 to take the three points. Given how the Blues started the campaign, that price does feel a little short. After all, it’s hard to see a heavy victory for the hosts, as Everton have been pretty solid so far. That doesn’t mean the visitors won’t be an attacking threat here, as they’ve scored in every competitive game they’ve played this season. This does seem like a tricky tie for the hosts, as this is easily the best Everton side to visit Stamford Bridge in recent years. Will the Toffees’ take something away from this clash?

We can at least see a goal for the away side here. Everton do have counter attacking talent, especially if Sandro Ramirez is fit enough to start alongside Rooney. Not only that, but the Blues have an awful defensive record in 2017, having kept just two home league clean sheets. They’ve managed a single clean sheet in their last nine at home in the league, and we think that will continue here. A Chelsea goal is widely expected, as they’ve looked great going forwards in both games so far. That’s why we’re backing both teams to score here, which is priced at 11/10 with Betfred.

We expect Conte to go with a more attacking set up in this one, and Pedro is one man who could benefit from that. The Spaniard was key for much of last season, and he showed that across two meetings with Everton. Having scored home and away against the Toffees last season, we can see the former Barcelona man making an impact this weekend. He’s priced at 7/4 with Ladbrokes to find the net at any time, which feels like great value for a key attacking player of his standing. With Chelsea expected to grab at least one goal, Pedro should be one of their main threats, and we predict he’ll get on the scoresheet.

Chelsea started their season with an awful home defeat to Burnley, leaving the champions in trouble ahead of their clash with Tottenham. The Blues were the first defending champion in the Premier League to concede three on the opening day, a worrying snapshot of their awful defending. The last thing they need after losing to one of the relegation favourites is a clash against last season’s runners-up. With the game taking place at Wembley, will that be the saving grace for Antonio Conte and his threadbare squad?

This could well be a third loss at Wembley across the Blues’ last four competitive games in all competitions. Having lost twice to one London rival, Arsenal, going down to Tottenham too is unthinkable for most fans. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s men started the season with a solid win at Newcastle, which suggests they’re ready for the new campaign despite their lack of additions to their squad. If only Chelsea could say the same, having been left short by the selling policy of the Stamford Bridge hierarchy this summer.

Team News: Suspensions leave Conte short with his selection

Chelsea come into this game with just one of their three scorers from their mast meeting with Spurs. While Willian is likely to make an appearance, Eden Hazard is injured and Nemanja Matic is now at Manchester United. The Blues are without the suspended Gary Cahill and Cesc Fabregas, meaning Cesar Azpilicueta is set to take the armband. After barely managing to field a team on Saturday, those two absences leave Antonio Conte with a tough task preparing a side to face Spurs. A formation change has been mooted, simply because they lack numbers to fill the regular 3-4-3.

Tottenham are set to miss Danny Rose once again, with the full-back still out injured. Given his comments to the press, he’d probably be fighting for a starting place even if he was fit. Aside from that Spurs should be at full strength, with Harry Kane starting up front. However, the forward is still searching for his first career goal in August, can he find that on Sunday?

Tottenham Form

Tottenham were able to make a comfortable start to the new season, winning 2-0 at newly promoted Newcastle. Spurs weren’t completely convincing until Jonjo Shevley received a red card, which changed the game and allowed them to take control. However, that win has likely built up confidence in the Tottenham squad going in to this game, which would have been needed after the summer they have had. While the part line has been to boast about the strength of the team, cracks have begun to appear.

Danny Rose’s decision to come out and blast the club’s transfer policy and wage limit means things weren’t rosy at the club last week. Pochettino even said that his side have fallen behind the rest of the top six after failing to sign anyone. While the Blues are having problems with regards to transfers, this is the same side which lost to Chelsea twice last season. Can they turn that around at Wembley, or will their awful run of form at this ground hurt Spurs?

Tottenham vs Chelsea Head to Head

The last clash between these two sides came at Wembley, as the Blues came from behind to win 4-2 in an FA Cup semi-final. That has set the scene for this game, with Spurs set to kick off their Premier League campaign in their temporary home. That makes this another landmark meeting between these two rivals, after a strong of high profile games. Before that cup semi-final Spurs ended Chelsea’s 13 game winning run, a streak which contained a 2-1 win over Spurs in November. The Blues stopped Spurs from winning the title in May last year, so these clashes have been quite high profile of late.

• Chelsea 4-2 Tottenham, Apr 2017
• Tottenham 2-0 Chelsea, Jan 2017
• Chelsea 2-1 Tottenham, Nov 2016
• Chelsea 2-2 Tottenham, May 2016
• Tottenham 0-0 Chelsea, Nov 2015

Betting Tips

• Both Teams to Score – 8/11 with Betfred
• Tottenham to win – 21/20 with Sky Bet

Coming into this game, Tottenham have been priced up as 21/20 favourites with Sky Bet, with clear distance between them and the Blues. The champions can be backed at 5/2 with BetVictor, while the draw is available at 12/5 with Bet365. Unfortunately we have to side with Spurs on this one, because they seem to represent value in this match. However, we should get a pretty entertaining game when these two meet.

With Chelsea’s issues at the back, we think a Spurs goal is pretty much nailed on. They’re facing a makeshift back line which is weaker than the one which conceded three at home to Burnley. However, the Blues fought back in that game and got on the scoresheet, with Alvaro Morata looking sharp. There’s a chance that Conte pairs him with Michy Batshuayi in the absence of Eden Hazard and Pedro, so we expect the champions to score here. Spurs won’t have enough to cover all the space behind their defence at Wembley, and Morata proved that he can run in behind and exploit that with his weekend display. We’re backing both teams to score in this clash at 8/11 with Betfred.

However, the Blues have too many problems with their selection to get a result here. There are too many similarities to 2015 for us here, in which Chelsea defended their title, lost to Arsenal in the Community Shield and then slipped up at home to Swansea in their opener. They followed that up by heading to the previous runners-up, Man City, in which they were heavily beaten. We think that history will repeat itself once again, and Spurs will win this clash. Given their price of 21/20 with Sky Bet, it’s hard to say they aren’t well priced with everything going on right now.

Can Chelsea kick off their title defence with a victory over Burnley this weekend? Antonio Conte’s side have had an odd summer, despite adding a few big money signings. However, those players have been bought in to replace some big name departures, leaving the squad looking a little thin ahead of a tilt at four competitions. There’s more than a few similarities between this term and the 2015/16 season, when Jose Mourinho’s side fell apart after a lax summer. However, Conte is aware of that risk and the Italian is determined to avoid a similar fate.

Hosting Burnley is a relatively straightforward way to start the season, but we did say the same about Swansea two years ago. Could Burnley pull off one of the biggest shocks in their history? With survival being the goal for the Clarets once again, this game isn’t a real test for them in the relegation battle. However, they could do without a demoralising opening day loss to the champions.

Team News: Conte lacking options following Wembley loss

Chelsea were down to the bare bones for their clash with Arsenal in the Community Shield. Eden Hazard and Tiemoue Bakayoko remain out, while Diego Costa is still an outcast. Victor Moses was allowed to play in the curtain raiser because it was classified as a friendly, but he’s suspended here. That’s going to lead to a reshuffled backline, with Cesar Azpilicueta moving to right-wing back and Antonio Rudiger stepping into the back three.

Outside of that, Conte doesn’t have the room to make changes. He’d probably like more competition amongst his players, but right now he has a side which picks itself. That was a bonus last season, but it’s a big issue this time around.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche should keep the faith with the side that helped them to safety last season. That was a huge achievement for the club, and they’ve made a few understated signings after securing another year of Premier League TV revenue. They may introduce a few of their new signings to their side here, but we don’t expect them to be too different from the side which hosted the Blues at Turf Moor earlier this year. One doubt for the Clarets is Andre Gray, who is being linked with a big money move away from the club, possibly to high-spending Championship side Wolves.

Burnley Form

Sean Dyche has made some odd signings this summer, bringing in established Premier League names like Phil Bardsley and Jon Walters. He’s brought former Blue Jack Cork to Turf Moor, which seems like a solid signing. However, is that enough to keep them in the top flight? And can it help them pull off a result away to the champions this weekend?

Burnley’s survival last season was largely down to their excellent home form, their away results were awful. They were beaten in almost every away trip, though they just about got their act together late in the season. However, the pressure was off them by then, as their home results got them over the line. The worrying thing for Dyche is that they were safe with some time to spare last season, and then they limped to the finish line. Sides who do that usually have a tough start, and that’s something that the Clarets simply can’t afford.

Chelsea vs Burnley Head to Head

Given that this is the first time Burnley have kicked off a second consecutive Premier League season, meetings between the pair aren’t that regular. The Blues have been comfortable winners in most of their clashes, although the Clarets did put in a strong showing during their meeting at Turf Moor back in February. Will Conte’s side find this game as tough after their difficult summer?

• Burnley 1-1 Chelsea, Feb 2017
• Chelsea 3-0 Burnley, Aug 2016
• Chelsea 1-1 Burnley, Feb 2015
• Burnley 1-3 Chelsea, Aug 2014
• Chelsea 3-0 Burnley, Aug 2009

Betting Tips

• Chelsea to win and both teams to score – 21/10 with Ladbrokes
• Cesc Fabregas to score any time – 21/10 with Coral

Chelsea may not be having the best of times lately, but they’re still massive favourites to see off the Clarets at home. Sky Bet have priced them up at 1/4 for the victory at home, and we struggle to see the Blues failing to win this opening game. They should be able to get around the Clarets, but we don’t think it’s going to be an easy match. There could be a few goals in this one, and not all for the hosts. With a reorganised back line taking the pitch here, could the Blues slip up at the back?

While the 3-4-3 blew teams away last season, there were signs that it was being slightly figured out as they went along towards the end. Eight of the Blues’ last 10 home matches saw them concede, and they’re at risk of adding to that poor run here. Burnley were struggling for goals on the road in the first half of last season, but once they got started they were tough to stop. They scored in 10 of their last 12 matches on the road, but they still didn’t win too many of those. We see them scoring again, but like we said a Chelsea win seems inevitable. We’re backing a home win and BTTS at 21/10 with Ladbrokes.

Chelsea are missing most of their key goalscorers up front, so they’ll need someone to step up in this clash. Alvaro Morata doesn’t look match fit, and Michy Batshuayi is still unproven in the Premier League. Cesc Fabregas is going to be the big winner from this injury crisis, as he’s slotting into central midfield. He is going to need to use all his experience to help the team through the opening weeks, and we can see him providing a goal. He’s priced at 21/10 with Coral to score any time, which we think is worth backing.

Chelsea kick off their season just as they finished the last, facing Arsenal at Wembley. This time the Community Shield is on the line, a trophy which ranks fifth in the Blues’ list of priorities. However, this is the best indicator of where the champions are in their preparations for the new season, following a busy summer of incomings and outgoings. This is also a test of the squad, something which could prove key to the last month of transfer business at the Bridge.

The Blues are limited in terms of selection, but they have plenty of last season’s star names ready for a new campaign. After the poor title defence we saw during 2015/16, Conte needs to keep these players hungry for success, their performances could be key, alongside some new signings to add competition for places and squad depth. We’ll know more about what the Blues need following this Arsenal game, but will they be able to warm up for a new campaign and their return to the Champions League by claiming silverware at Wembley?

Team News: Chelsea to revert to type in curtain raiser

While Chelsea’s transfer business in 2017 has been hugely successful financially, they’ve arguably come out of the summer weaker so far. They’re looking light on bodies, especially with Tiemoue Bakayoko missing the start of the campaign. With limited options, we see the champions going with a 3-4-3 set-up once again, as Conte doesn’t have the capacity in his squad to switch things up.

The Blues are missing Victor Moses, who was sent off in the FA Cup final against Arsenal, while Eden Hazard is injured. That’s likely to see Cesar Azpilicueta step across to right wing-back, with Antonio Rudiger coming into the back three. Cesc Fabregas will partner N’Golo Kante, while Michy Batshuayi is rivalling Alvaro Morata for a place in the side. After starting every preseason game, the Belgian must be in with a shout, and he’s surely in better shape than the £58million new boy.

Arsenal have a new striker of their own on show, with Alexandre Lacazette set to start up front. He’s likely to be supported by Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in a 3-4-3 formation, which Arsenal switched to following Chelsea’s success with the tactic last term. With no other major signings, don’t expect to see too many changes from the Gunners’ last clash with Chelsea at Wembley.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal managed to end their Bayern Munich hoodoo in preseason, beating the Bavarians on penalties. That probably sums up the unpredictability of preseason. The Gunners were able to celebrate two trophies, one of which came after that victory against Bayern. The resulting presentation did see Petr Cech having to tell his teammates to not go overboard in their excitement to lift a meaningless trophy.

The Gunners’ last game saw them lose 2-1 to Sevilla, before being presented the Emirates Cup as a result of the number of goals they’d scored. All of that will count for little at Wembley this weekend. Arsenal have played more minutes in preseason, but they may have gone a little overboard in terms of travelling.

Arsenal v Chelsea Head to Head

Our head to head record for these sides doesn’t include a meeting between them this summer, during their preseason tours. Chelsea won that game 3-0 despite having significantly less preparation, but that should mean little here. Both managers are experienced enough to avoid taking much from friendly games, especially as the Blues went and lost to Bayern and Inter shortly after.

• Arsenal 2-1 Chelsea, May 2017
• Chelsea 3-1 Arsenal, Feb 2017
• Arsenal 3-0 Chelsea, Sep 2016
• Arsenal 0-1 Chelsea, Jan 2016
• Chelsea 2-0 Arsenal, Sep 2015

Betting Tips

• Chelsea to win – 23/20 with BetVictor
• Michy Batshuayi to score – 7/4 with Betfred

The Blues’ Wembley defeat in May hasn’t affected the bookies’ confidence in them. Not only are they leading contenders for the title, but they have been made favourites for this clash. However, they seem to represent good value at 23/20 with BetVictor. While Chelsea are missing a couple of star names, they do have players to step in during the short term, although reinforcements are needed. The Blues should be able to manage without Moses at right-back, it may actually help them based on his display during the cup final. Hazard’s absence is a blow, but having Willian, Pedro and Fabregas on the pitch should create chances.

While those three in the same team can be seen as a risk – Fabregas in a midfield two always feels like a weak link – Azpilicueta’s solidity should help. He won’t venture forward at the same rate as Moses, meaning that Rudiger, Cahill and Luiz will have plenty of cover. That should be enough to frustrate Lacazette, so we’re backing the champions to take a victory from the curtain raiser. Barring an awful start against Bayern, Chelsea have been solid this summer, and they will be itching to make up for their FA Cup defeat. We see more silverware for Conte, and we’re backing the Blues at 23/20 with BetVictor here, with a win to nil looking very tempting at 3/1 with Bet365.

The one area that we can see Conte pulling a surprise is up front. The players available to him mean he can only really play a 3-4-3, which forces a choice between Batshuayi and Morata. The Belgians’ late flourish, preseason displays and his summer bulk make him a serious contender for a starting spot. Morata made one start this summer, before being taken off after 65 minutes. He might not be ready for a competitive game, while Batshuayi is an adept replacement who hit two against Arsenal last month. We’re backing him to score any time at 7/4 with Betfred and he’s also worth a punt to score first we fancy.