Tag: Eden Hazard

Chelsea to re-enforce Title claims

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

From the media reaction to Chelsea’s 0-0 draw at Sunderland on Saturday you would think that Jose Mourinho’s side were in crisis. Manchester City closed the gap to six points by winning at Southampton on Sunday while Arsenal and Man United are 11 and 13 points adrift respectively.

It certainly was not a vintage Chelsea performance at the Stadium Of Light, perhaps suffering a little from their fantastic 5-0 win in Germany in midweek. Perhaps more significant was the booking picked up by leading scorer Diego Costa, ruling him out of the Spurs clash on Wednesday night due to suspension.

His place is likely to be taken by Didier Drogba who has looked sharper with each appearance this season. Spurs may feel some relief that Costa is not present but Drogba has a good record against them and is still a fearsome opponent. Eden Hazard and Willian have been running rings around most defences this season but have not been converting a high percentage of chances. This could be the time for Hazard to return to goal scoring ways in another home victory.

Sunderland battled for 90 minutes and fully deserved their point on Saturday. They now have to do the same with Champions Man City the visitors. The glimmer of hope for Sunderland is the news that Kompany is out, leaving a makeshift defence. City have been leaning heavily on Sergio Aguero so far this season but they showed at St Mary’s that they have plenty of other players capable of scoring, Frank Lampard included. I cannot see the Black Cats holding out here, despite having beaten City 1-0 in their last four clashes here.

Southampton’s bubble appears to have burst with the onset of a run of tough fixtures. The warning signs were clear at Villa Park on Monday where they had to fight hard for a point before suffering a 3-0 loss at home to City. A trip to the Emirates Stadium could see a second consecutive loss, although they did beat a sub-standard Arsenal side here in the League Cup. Olivier Giroud should be sharper for his 80 minutes at West Brom on Saturday and he can get his name on the score-sheet in a home win.

The final game on Wednesday should result in three points for Everton against struggling Hull City. The Tigers have looked pretty toothless of late while Everton nearly snatched a point at White Hart Lane.

Eden Hazard to score and Chelsea win @9-4 Bwin

Sergio Aguero to score and Man City win @7-5 Betfred

Olivier Giroud to score and Arsenal win @11-4 Bwin

Premier League Preview Nov 1st – 3rd

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Betcirca followers made a small profit last week from our Premier League bets but it could have been so much better! Eden Hazard looked certain to score when clean through on goal against Manchester United but uncharacteristically fired straight at the keeper. The Belgian magician had tormented Maribor’s defence earlier in the week and he is worth another chance to find the killer touch against QPR on Saturday.

Chelsea fielded some of their lesser lights at Shrewsbury in the Capital One Cup but Jose Mourinho was not impressed by their scrappy 2-1 win. I expect a nearly full-strength side to line up against Harry Redknapp’s side and run out convincing winners.

Wilfried Bony did us a good turn when scoring last weekend and his Swansea side now travel to Goodison Park to play Everton. This is one of several intriguing games this weekend. Everton seem to be back to their best with Lukaku back among the goals but the Swans were very unlucky not to win at Anfield in the Cup in midweek. I think there will be goals in this match with Everton possibly just sneaking it.

The Manchester derby is a difficult one with City having hit an unexpected dip in form and United gradually improving. City’s troubles began when they allowed a two-goal lead to disappear in Moscow and they have since lost to West Ham and Newcastle. United were let off the hook by Chelsea last week but did not really do enough to convince me that they can win this one.

Diafra Sakho was highlighted in this column a couple of weeks ago and his incredible scoring streak now runs to seven consecutive matches. The world and his dog will be hoping that he can make it eight when the Hammers travel to Stoke and why shouldn’t it? Stoke will be in low spirits after losing twice to Southampton in a week and Sam Allardyce will have his tactics mapped out as usual.

Alexis Sanchez is the player in form at Arsenal and he is taken to get on the score sheet at home to Burnley with a big home win likely. Saido Berahino is another playing with his shooting boots on and he can continue the good work for West Brom this weekend at Leicester.

Newcastle stunned Tottenham last week and followed up by winning at Man City in the Capital One Cup. I don’t know how close Alan Pardew came to the sack but you have to admire his guts in toughing out. They now host a ragged Liverpool side who somehow escaped with a win over Swansea in the Cup but still look vulnerable in defence. Both sides can score in this one but the result could go either way.

Newcastle v Liverpool Both sides to score@4-6 BetVictor

Alexis Sanchez to score and Arsenal beat Burnley @11-10 Boyle Sports

Eden Hazard to score and Chelsea beat QPR @11-10 Paddy Power

Wilfried Bony to score for Swansea v Everton @5-2 Totesport

Everton v Swansea more than 2.5 goals @5-6 BetVictor

Saido Berahino to score and West Brom beat Leicester @6-1 BWin

Diafra Sakho to score and West Ham beat Stoke @6-1 BWin

Premier League Preview Oct 25th – 27th

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

The highlight of this weekend’s Premier League action has to be Sunday’s game at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Chelsea.

The Blues start the weekend five points clear at the top of the table but United are potentially dangerous rivals with their summer influx of stars. They have improved offensively but their defence is another matter and Jose Mourinho will be looking to exploit this with the pace of Hazard and Willian.

At the time of writing, Costa’s availability is unknown but Loic Remy is definitely out. That could leave Didier Drogba as the only realistic option at centre-forward. He has looked a long way short of his best but Hazard was brilliant against Maribor in midweek and Chelsea can create goals from almost anywhere on the pitch. Take Hazard to score in another victory for the Blues.

Man City blew a two-goal lead in Moscow and that will have made it a miserable journey home. They now play a confident West Ham who have found a new scoring machine in Diafra Sakho. He gave us a 5-1 winner last week when scoring for his sixth consecutive game. Sam Allardyce patted himself on the back for working out how to beat Everton after their Europa League match and will have a similar plan for the champions. The Hammers might be worth supporting on the handicap.

Southampton were superb last week in demolishing Sunderland 8-0 and will be full of confidence for the visit of Stoke. You can’t help but think that Ronald Koeman’s side have to slip up sooner or later but I would be surprised if it is on Saturday. Take Pelle to score in a Saints win.

Another man in form is Wilfried Bony of Swansea and he can get on the score sheet at home to Leicester. The Swans were hard done by at Stoke last week and should be able to grab all three points here. Arsenal are not the ideal opponents for Sunderland after last week’s humiliation at St Mary’s and it is difficult to see any other result than a win for the Gunners. It should be routine win for Everton at struggling Burnley and Tottenham can put the pressure back on Alan Pardew by defeating Newcastle.

Monday night’s game is QPR versus Aston Villa. Harry Redknapp’s side fought manfully at home to Liverpool last week but somehow managed to lose 3-2 after twice appearing to have salvaged a point. Villa are not the most reliable of teams but this game could be draw material along with Saturday’s game between West Brom and Crystal Palace.

West Ham (+1 handicap) to beat Man City @6-4 Bet365

Graziano Pelle to score and Southampton to win @17-10 Ladbrokes

Arsenal to beat Sunderland @4-5 Stan James

Wilfried Bony to score and Swansea win @9-4 Paddy Power

Eden Hazard to score and Chelsea win @5-1 Coral

QPR v Aston Villa DRAW @9-4 Bet365

Europa League Final – Chelsea v Benfica Preview

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Chelsea take the field for the 68th time this season when they meet Benfica in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday night. Having started the season with so many opportunities for silverware they now find themselves at the last chance saloon. Ironically it is the one competition that they did not want to be in that could provide them with something to celebrate after seven trophies have slipped through their grasp.

Rafael Benitez has few friends at Stamford Bridge but has at least salvaged a little pride by sealing a Champions League spot with a 2-1 win at Villa Park last weekend. Chelsea were grateful to their much-maligned skipper Frank Lampard for his two goals and it was fitting that he should break the record as Chelsea’s leading goalscorer in the process. Lampard may not be finished for the season just yet as an injury to Eden Hazard has reduced the midfield options for Benitez against a Benfica side that are certainly worthy of respect.

In the absence of Hazard, a leg-weary Juan Mata will once again be expected to pull the strings for the Blues. He has been Chelsea’s best player this season despite having been on international duty throughout the summer for his country. He admitted that he and the squad were feeling the strain after a laboured performance at Old Trafford, albeit a crucial winning one. Their attacking options are also limited with Demba Ba cup-tied. Fernando Torres has led the attack in Europe this season but has been well supported by Victor Moses in this competition and Benitez may elect to start with both.

One player who should never be overlooked on the big occasions is Ramires. It was his sensational solo goal that breathed new life into Chelsea’s Champions League hopes in Barcelona last season and he also fired the Blues ahead in the FA Cup final against Liverpool. His most recent action was less distinguished as he was dismissed for a high challenge at Aston Villa but he had previously scored against Tottenham and will be keen to score against his former club. Moses and Ramires are relatively fresh players and could be worth having on your side at 5-1 and 7-1 respectively to find the net at some point in the game.

Benfica will be competing in their ninth major European final but their last success came in the European Cup back in 1962. Chelsea defeated them by a single goal both at home and away in the Champions League last season and a similar result could be on the cards here. Chelsea never seem to make it easy for themselves so I can see Benfica making a game of it without quite having the firepower to beat the Blues. Odds of 3-1 about a narrow Chelsea victory seem fair.

Curiously, Paddy Power are offering to refund all losing bets on the first goalscorer and correct score markets should Oscar find the target at any time during the game. He will have plenty of supporters after the first goal goes in!

Ramires to score at any time 7-1 William Hill

Moses to score at any time 5-1 William Hill

Chelsea to win by a single goal 3-1 Skybet

Football Preview May 11th and 12th

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

FA Cup Final – Manchester City v Wigan

It is a sign of the times that the FA Cup final is almost a sideshow to the Premier League action this weekend. Gone are the days when the Cup final was the grand finale to the season and dominated the sports pages. This year’s final also has a one-sided look to it as Manchester City seek some consolation for losing their Premiership title to archrivals United against a Wigan side staring down the barrel of relegation.

City look assured of second place but grateful for the opportunity of pocketing a bit of silverware at the end of a slightly disappointing season. There is no doubt that they have the firepower to beat Wigan, although they only scrambled past them by a single goal in their recent league clash. Roberto Martinez approached the FA Cup in the same manor as most Premiership managers these days, using it as a platform for his youngsters to gain valuable experience. By virtue of a favourable draw and an impressive 3-0 victory at Goodison, the Latics have found themselves in the final for the first time in their history. Had they managed to perform their usual Houdini act and escaped the drop, this would be a momentous occasion. Unfortunately, a 3-2 defeat at home to Swansea in midweek has left them in deep trouble.

I would love to be able to tip Wigan here but it is looking increasingly bleak for them. The most likely scenario is defeat on Saturday, relegation and even the loss of their manager in the summer. They have simply failed to find the consistency needed this season and I don’t think City will pass up this golden opportunity for a trophy. I take City to win by 2 goals at odds of 3-1 and City to be winning at half-time and full-time at 10-11 with Skybet.

Manchester City to win by 2 goals 3-1 Paddy Power
Manchester City to be winning at half-time and full-time 10-11 Skybet

Aston Villa v Chelsea

Saturday’s lunch-time kick-off sees Chelsea going in search of the win they require to secure a top four finish and a Champions League spot. That looked to be within their grasp on Wednesday night before a late Tottenham goal forced them to settle for a 2-2 draw. Chelsea supporters will not have been at all surprised to see the agony prolonged after a hectic but, as yet, unproductive season at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea may have thumped Villa 8-0 earlier in the season but it is a very different side they are facing on Saturday. Villa dished out a 6-1 thrashing to Sunderland to put themselves within reach of Premiership survival and received a further boost when Wigan were defeated in midweek. Another complication for the Blues is the prospect of the Europa League final next Wednesday. They do not have the strength in depth of previous seasons and have suffered when fielding a weakened side. They rely heavily on Juan Mata and Eden Hazard to provide the spark in their attacking play and both have been showing signs of a long season recently. Chelsea may again be frustrated and have to settle for a draw, putting their supporters through the agony of going to the last match against Everton in the process.

Draw 14-5 Bet Victor

Stoke v Tottenham

Spurs managed to hold Chelsea to a draw on Wednesday and will be hoping that Aston Villa can do them a huge favour on Saturday. They were not at their best at Stamford Bridge but it is to their credit that they managed to get a result and they will need the same sort of determination to get all three points at Stoke on Sunday. Gareth Bale has been largely responsible for keeping them in the hunt for a Champions League spot and they will look to him again this weekend. I think they can grab a vital win and Bale to score at any time looks a fair bet at 6-5.

Tottenham to win 10-11 William Hill
Gareth Bale to score 6-5 Bet Victor

Chelsea v Tottenham Preview May 8th

Posted on by Online Betting Pro

Tonight’s match between Chelsea and Tottenham is effectively a Cup final for both sides with a Champions League place at stake. The Blues did this column a favour by grabbing an excellent 1-0 victory on Sunday. Having tipped Juan Mata to score at 100-30 I was more than a little miffed when his deflected strike was credited as an own-goal. I understand that some bookmakers have been paying out on Mata so I hope that your bookie was doing the decent thing!

Moving on to tonight’s game and the Blues now know that they are now in a position to finally kill off Tottenham’s challenge. It has been a long and difficult season for Chelsea supporters but a disappointing season could still end on a high note with a Champions League spot and victory in the Europa League final. Juan Mata has been an absolute star for the Blues this season and he admitted that they were somewhat laboured at Old Trafford on Sunday. Even so, they still clung to the belief that they could sneak a famous win and were rewarded late on. They won’t need any encouragement for tonight’s match against their London rivals.

The game also sees the return to Stamford Bridge of former boss Andre Villas-Boas. Although he was not given sufficient time as coach to make any real impact, he had formerly served under Jose Mourinho and not unpopular at the club. The swift removal of Roberto Di Matteo at the start of this season followed by the appointment of Benitez shows that the fans have no say in what happens at the club and Villas-Boas should receive a warm welcome. Whilst Mata has been Chelsea’s star player, Spurs have been almost totally reliant on Gareth Bale this season. Once again he came to their rescue after a poor performance at home to Southampton and snatched an unlikely three points to keep their challenge alive. He has never really shone against Chelsea in the past and, despite reports to the contrary, there is no doubt that he will be given special attention.

Chelsea’s key player tonight could be Eden Hazard. He has been a revelation this season and can only get better in the next couple of years. His surging runs should prove as much of a threat to Spurs as Bale will to Chelsea and a full strength Chelsea team is capable of getting the win they need this evening. Hazard is 3-1 to score at any time during the match with Bet Victor and those odds are worth taking. Chelsea are a shade of odds-on to win the game and it might be worth going for a 2-1 home win at odds of 8-1 with Ladbrokes.

Chelsea 19-20 Bet Victor
Chelsea to win 2-1 at 8-1 Ladbrokes
Eden Hazard to score 3-1 Bet Victor