English FA CUP
2009-05-30 - Chelsea vs Everton
A Sports Betting Pick by Cauncie
F.A. Cup Final
Saturday 30th May 2009, K.O 3pm
The final of the F.A. cup this year features one of the Big 4 clubs, against one of the many clubs attempting to break into the quartet.
On paper this match should be a relatively comfortable, low scoring victory for Chelsea but, it IS a cup final.
Chelsea are slightly better on the form guide, with only 1 defeat in their 21 games under Hiddink. The two meetings between these sides in this season’s Premier League have both ended up as 0-0 draws, and 6 of the last 7 games against each other have been low scoring affairs.
Chelsea’s recent results include the heartbreaking home draw with Barcelona, an impressive 4-1 away win at the Emirates and a final day 3-2 victory at Sunderland, so they are in good form.
Everton, having finished the season 5th once again, have only 2 defeats in their last 9 Prem games, although they were away at Pompey and at home to Man City. More recently, they have had good wins against West Ham and Fulham in games where David Moyes didn’t seem to be resting his players much.
Chelsea will welcome the return of (Fat) Frank Lampard after he sat out the Sunderland game with a minor knock, and will also have Alex and Belletti available.
Everton will have Phil Neville and Steven Pienaar available for the match at Wembley, but are still missing many long term casualties in the likes of Jagielka and most of their strikers, though Saha is indeed available.
Recent Form :
Chelsea :
Sunderland 2-3 Chelsea
Chelsea 2-0 Blackburn Rovers
Arsenal 1-4 Chelsea
Chelsea 1-1 FC Barcelona
Chelsea 3-1 Fulham
Barcelona 0-0 Chelsea
Everton :
Fulham 0-2 Everton
Everton 3-1 West Ham
Everton 0-0 Tottenham
Sunderland 0-2 Everton
Everton 1-2 Manchester City
Chelsea 0-0 Everton
The Betting Verdict
Chelsea should be more than strong enough to see Everton off and lift the trophy, but it is possible that Everton can slow them down and prevent them getting any meaningful efforts in (they did it to Man Utd).
Logically, under 2.5 is a good bet, priced up between 1.5 and 1.65.
Trying to pick a winner is awkward at best, Chelsea are 8/11 favourites but I can see Everton suppressing them, so the Chelsea Lay becomes an option for anyone looking for a different angle.
Correct score betting :
Could be any of 0-0, 1-1 or 1-0 either way, it’s not likely to be an open game with Everton closing down quickly from the start. Of the four scores, I’d favour the 0-0 based on previous, and the likelihood that it will be very very tight.
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Under 2.5 Goals at anywhere between 1.5 and 1.65 depending on which bookmaker you are with is the easy pick here.Anyone looking for an alternative angle may want to consider Everton/Draw on the double .
