English Premier
2009-05-02 - Chelsea vs Fulham
A Sports Betting Pick by Gooner
Football: England, Premier League
Saturday, 2nd May 2009 - Kickoff 15:00
Chelsea (3rd - Home Rec : 9-6-2 28:11)
With Barcelona looming in midweek, and the domestic league title gone, it looks certain that Chelsea will field a weaker than usual side for this match.
Manager Guus Hiddink has stated that the Champions League and the FA Cup are the main aims now, and we saw that last weekend against West Ham, where Chelsea did win 1-0, but only thanks to a missed Hammers penalty.
The two Michael's (Ballack and Essien) were both quoted as being very tired after the Barca game and it would not surprise to see them completely rested here - as Chelsea recognise that a six-point gap to United is too much to bridge.
Fulham (7th - Away Rec : 2-8-7 9:15)
Fulham are no longer the easy-beats of London football, and with the Cottagers sitting in 7th place UEFA Cup football (to be renamed as the Europa League) is a real possibility.
Fulham have been in good form recently with just one defeat in the last six games (0-1 to Liverpool) and wins over Bolton, Man City, Stoke, and Man United.
Away from home Fulham's record looks poor, but Fulham started the season with four away losses in the first five road games.
Fulham are unbeaten in their last four away games, during which they've grabbed both of their away wins and drawn 0-0 with Arsenal at the Emirates.
Fulham have eight away draws this season, and SEVEN of them have been with a 0-0 scoreline, making the no goalscorer bet at prices to 10.00 to 13.00 a real goldmine.
Head to Head
Chelsea usually have the edge over Fulham, but in the last couple of years the gap has closed and Fulham have frequently grabbed a point.
Chelsea have a 3-3-0 advantage at Stamford Bridgde since 2002-03, but two of those draws have come in the last two seasons.
Similarly, Chelsea usually win at Craven Cottage, but this season had to settle for a point in a 2-2 draw over Christmas.
The Betting Verdict
No manager or football side wants to drop points, but given the vastly different importantance of beating Barcelona or Fulham, it's clear the Chelsea's focus will be on the midweek game.
This opens the door for Fulham, who are playing a good brand of football, and the Cottagers are rated as the strongest that they've been in six seasons, and could easily steal a point.
The price on the draw has dropped since I placed my bet but you can still get prices of 4.00 (3/1) on the stalemate.
It also goes without saying a a punt on "No Goalscorer" in the first scorer market is well worth a shot whenever Fulham play away. Most bookmakers have learned and slashed their prices but Irish bookmaker Boyle Sports is still at 13.00 (12/1)
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
Chelsea 0-0 Fulham
