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
