Europa League
2013-02-14 - Sparta Prague vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : Europe : Europa League
Thursday, 14th February 2013 - Kickoff 6:00pm GMT
BETTING PREVIEW
I think the odds on Chelsea are terrible value, considering they have failed to win their last 4 away games. Chelsea were also beaten in their last 2 European away games, so we must think of a way of going against them.
Chelsea were held 0-0 at Swansea, and then had 2-2 draws at Brentford and Reading, both much inferior sides to the ones they will face tonight. They were then beaten 3-2 at Newcastle. A truly terrible run, especially on defence.
Sparta Prague are on their winter break, having last played in early December. They have drawn their last 3 games in the group stages, but before did score 3 in each home game to beat Kiryat Shmona and Athletic Bilbao. What I am worried about a bit is the way their defence will cope with Chelsea's offence, which will likely include Lampard, who has netted 6 goals in Chelseas last 7 away games, and is enjoying some quite amazing form at the moment.
Of course then there are players like Hazard and Mata, even Torres, who may find chances to give Chelsea the away goal they will come here to get. Ba is another danger for the Blues, so maybe we can also look at the goals market, as it seems likely both teams will be able to get themselves at least a goal.
Prices for both teams to score at hovering just around even money. I still think there is better value in maybe taking the home side to avoid defeat, looking at the win market at a whopping 5.50 or maybe with some sort of start, like +0.5 at around 2.20.
I've noticed a player called Vaclav Kadlec has scored 4 goals in Sparta's last 6 Europa League games, and that cannot be ignored, especially since he is given all the set piece chances. Chelsea will surely concede in this one, possibly more than once, and when they do I think it will be Kadlec that gets it.
THE BETTING VERDICT
I feel I've been fairly conservative with my bets today, so shall have a go with a big price in this one. Small bet on Kadlec to score at any time.
The Pick :
Sparta Prague 2-1 Chelsea
