Champions League
2012-11-07 - Chelsea vs FC Shakhtar Donetsk
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Defending Champions Chelsea will go into this match with a score to settle after their 2-1 defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk in their last match after their host produced a magnificent display to get the win in the Ukraine.
That defeat has left Roberto Di Matteo's Chelsea side lying side second in Group E and now they are trailing tonight's opponent by three points as they play host to them at Stamford Bridge and will hope to make home advantage count.
Chelsea goes into this match knowing that they need to win in order to reclaim the top spot as they take on Mircea Lucescu side and they also need to avoid the embaressement of becoming the first holders in the tournament histor to be knocked out of the group stage!
As it is now The Blues have only managed four points from their three games played and with third-placed Juventus just a point behind, Di Matteo knows he must win this match tonight.
A win here would also lift Chelsea's spirits as they were knocked off the top of the Premier League by Manchester United at the weekend, having had to settle for a draw against Swansea at the weekend.
Chelsea do have a good European record as they have won 61 and lost just five of their 88 games in Europe on their own turf.
Meanwhile Shakhtar are yet to lose in all competitions this season as they are currently 12 points at the top of the Ukranian Premier League.
But it must be noted here that the visitors have never won on English soil.
Team News :
Chelsea Team News :
Ashley Cole misses this match due to a hamstring injury he picked up in the clash against Swansea. Meanwhile, John Terry should return to lead the side after completing his four-match domestic racism ban.
The good news is that Juan Mata and David Luiz are expected to shake off knocks that sidelined them at the weekend, but Frank Lampard (calf) is now a major doubt for England's friendly in Sweden next week.
Shakhtar Donetsk Team News :
Shakhtar boss Lucescu has a full strength side to choose from with no injuries or suspensions to worry about. Meanwhile, Defender Dmytro Chygrynskiy could be awarded a starting spot after he did not play in their match between these two sides last month.
Predictions :
Go for Chelsea to win and give the 1/2 ball away.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Chelsea 3-1 Shakhtar Donetsk
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Chelsea to win.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Main BET :
Go for Chelsea and give the -1/2 ball away here.
Go for Chelsea and give the -1/2 ball away here.
