English Premier
2012-12-08 - Sunderland vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Rafa Benitez takes his Chelsea side to the Stadium of Light still seeking his first domestic win as Manager of Chelsea since taking over from Roberto di Matteo.
In midweek despite winning 6-1 against FC Nordsjaelland in the UEFA Champions League, Chelsea created unwanted history as being the first title holdders to be knocked out in the group stages of the Champions League.
And now Benitez will not want to be the first Chelsea manager failing to register a win in his first four matches in charge of the team.
It is no surprise then that Chelsea have dropped to third in the standings due to their poor run of form. If Chelsea suffers an unlikely defeat that could see them drop to sixth in the standings even!
But Chelsea can thank their lucky stars that they are facing Sunderland who are actually below them in the form charts and have managed just two wins in their last 22 games.
Sunderland's home games have been low scoring affairs for the most part this season and five of the six games have been dour 0-0, 1-1, 1-0, 0-1 type scorelines.
Hewad to head
Chelsea have history on their side as they have won 14 of their last 15 games against Sunderland going into this clash.
Team News :
Sunderland Team News :
Defender John O'Shea and striker Steven Fletcher are both set to start this match against Chelsea.
O'Shea is the more likely to feature having trained this week following a calf injury while leading scorer Fletcher will undergo a late fitness test if he is to start. Fletcher was taken off at half-time in last weekend's defeat by Norwich with an ankle problem and saw a specialist this week.
However, Captain Lee Cattermole is expected to be out for another two months after damaging knee ligaments.
Chelsea Team News :
Frank Lampard is expected to feature some part at Sunderland after recovering from his calf problem. Daniel Sturridge's misses out with a hamstring injury but he could feature in their Japan's trip for the World Club Cup.
Meanwhile, captain John Terry will not be considered for Sunderland and he will not travel to Japan either as he continues to recover from his knee injury.
And midfielder John Obi Mikel misses with a three match ban.
Predictions :
Go for Chelsea to win this match and give the 1/2 ball here.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Sunderland 0-2 Chelsea
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Chelsea to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Go for Chelsea to win and give the -1/2 ball handicap away.
