Champions League
2008-12-09 - Chelsea vs Cluj CFR
A Sports Betting Pick by Shady
Football : UEFA Champions League
Tuesday 9th December 2008 - Kickoff 19:45
ANALYSIS :
With Roman Abramovich not willing to spend any more money in Chelsea at the moment, a Bordeaux win and a disaster by Chelsea would provide Chelsea with a financial nightmare.
But Luis Felipe Scolari is showing little sign of feeling the pressure as he believes his side will win here to secure a Champions League spot.
Scolari is set to face Cluj in this important tie without inspirational midfielder Frank Lampard as he is suspended with Malouda, Essien, Carvalho, Belletti and Di Santo all out too.
With Drogba fit again, Scolari might ponder his formation.
Anelka has done a perfect job with the current 4-5-1 formation Scolari is using. With Anelka in red-hot form scoring goals for fun, it will be difficult for Scolari to drop him at such crucial game and Scolari has suggested that he might start with both strikers as Lampard is missing from the game.
I believe Scolari might just change his formation and start with the 4-4-2 formation and this would see Drogba partnering Anelka up front.
In midfield, Ballack should partner Mikel in the heart of midfield leaving Deco and Joe Cole on right and left wing respectively. John Terry, Alex, Bosingwa and Ashley Cole are set to complete the back four to protect Petr Cech.
The strengths in this formation would see Chelsea winning more balls up front, especially knockdowns. Drogba and Anelka do make a perfect match as Drogba is a physically strong striker while Anelka is a speedy striker.
I am pretty sure that Cluj defenders will not be able to win headers against Drogba and the main threat would his knockdowns might just feed a perfect ball to likes of Deco and Ballack who are deadly around the box.
In addition, Anelka pace would definitely trouble this Cluj side therefore Cluj cannot afford to throw to many bodies up front as Anelka might just hit them on the break.
I believe Deco would have an equally important game as he will be the player that have the ability to supply pin point passes.
My Verdict :
Cluj are an inexperience side with an inexperienced manager where as Chelsea have experienced players and manager.
Cluj might be able to hold out for the first 20 minutes but as soon as Chelsea scores, I can see the Blues winning by a couple of goals.
Chelsea are giving up a 2 ball start, a little too much for my liking but as soon as the score remains 0-0 and the odds drop during in-play betting, Chelsea is the team to be with.
The Statistics :
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BEST BETTING TIP :
Chelsea to win at a fairly low price but almost certain to win this game.Chelsea to win more corners than Cluj
Chelsea to keep a clean sheet.
