Champions League
2012-11-07 - Chelsea vs Shakhtar Donetsk
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Football: European Champions League
Wednesday 7 November 2012 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV
Chelsea
Once again, it is the off the field stories that are dominating the press when it comes to Chelsea, but that shouldn't hide the fact that they have been struggling a little of late after a fast start to the season. Chelsea don't have the squad depth of yesteryear, especially with injuries and suspensions taking their toll, and that means the same starting XI are being called upon a lot early in the season.
The reigning European Champions have put themselves in an awkward position in this Group, although it could have been a lot worse if Juventus had beaten Nordsjaelland on match day 3. Chelsea have 4 points to their name in the Group, leaving them 3 points behind Shakhtar Donetsk and only 1 clear of Juventus. That makes this game very important for the Blues as they have to travel to Italy to face Juventus and anything less than a win makes it extremely tough for them to qualify for the last 16.
Chelsea have failed to win any of their last 4 games since a 2-4 win at Tottenham Hotspur and that includes losing 2-1 at Shakhtar in the Ukraine. They have failed to win their last 2 home games in all competitions, both against Manchester United, but had previously won 3 in a row. Chelsea had won 6 in a row in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge before the 2-2 draw with Juventus in their firs game this season when Chelsea blew a 2-0 lead.
Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard are both definitely ruled out, but John Terry is available for selection. Both David Luiz and Juan Mata are doubtful and need to pass late fitness tests.
Shakhtar Donetsk
The Ukrainian Champions were not expected to be break the Chelsea-Juventus path to the last 16 of the Champions League, but their opening results have put them in prime position to do so and a win here at Stamford Bridge would actually confirm their place in the next stage. Shakhtar Donestsk already hold a 12 point lead in their domestic League after just 14 games and confidence will be soaring.
Shakhtar beat Nordsjaelland as expected in their opening Group game this season, but have followed that up by taking 4 points from Juventus and Chelsea in back to back games. That means they top the Group and hold a 4 point lead over Juventus in 3rd place while also hosting the Italian Champions in their final Group game.
The side are actually unbeaten in 38 games in all competitions since a defeat by Porto in this competition last season and they have won 6 in a row since drawing with Juventus 1-1 on the road. Shakhtar have won their last 3 away games in all competitions, but haven't traveled that well in the Champions League having won just 1 of their last 5. They will not want a repeat of their last visit to London when they were beaten 5-1 by Arsenal a couple of seasons ago.
No new injury worries have been reported by the team as they bring a 20 man squad to West London.
Head to Head
This will be the first time Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk have met in a competitive fixture at Stamford Bridge and follows the 2-1 win for the Ukrainians in their home game a couple of weeks ago.
Prediction
Chelsea have not been defending that well in recent games, but they have shown their ability going forward and I think that is the reason I fancy them to break the Shakhtar unbeaten streak and pick up 3 points that could be vital when the Group is decided.
I just think this Chelsea side is perhaps being a little disrespected recently as they haven't picked up too many positive results, but they have looked very good at Stamford Bridge for the most part although will need to concentrate fully against a pacy Shakhtar attack.
It wouldn't be a big surprise to me if the away side get on the scoreboard in this one as Chelsea have looked a little vulnerable at time, especially when faced with pacy strikers, but I do think the home side will win the game and will back them to do with at least 3 goals scored which is being offered at what looks a generous 3.20 by Ladbrokes.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Chelsea 2-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
BEST BETTING TIP :
I'll back Chelsea Win and at least 3 Goals Scored (Quatro) @ 3.20 (Ladbrokes)
