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Chelsea takes on Sporting at Stamford Bridge knowing that the first place in the group is booked, but the visitors need to get a draw in order to advance from the second place.
Chelsea lost 2-1 at Newcastle over the weekend, a real surprise and it was the second consecutive time that Chelsea failed to win on the road (after a 0-0 draw at Sunderland). However, the Blues have been simply brilliant at home, winning the last 7 matches in all competitions, scoring 20 goals and conceding just two. With the first place assured Mourinho is sure to mix things up a bit today, but he will still field a decent lineup as it is very important for Chelsea not to record two poor results in a row.
Sporting has struggled big time in Portugal after selling some players in the summer break and they are just 4th in the domestic standings, but they performed admirably in the Champions League and will qualify in the knockout stage if they record a draw at Stamford Bridge or if Schalke does not defeat Maribor. The visitors are in terrific form lately and seem to have found a way to perform consistently, winning 4 consecutive matches, scoring at least 3 times in each of those victories.
Bet on Chelsea vs. Sporting with top Champions League odds at WilliamHill.com.
Team news & lineups:
Sporting will have to do without Nani and Soares. Nani is a huge blow, he has been brilliant for Sporting this season and often the difference maker. Team news for Chelsea are great, they only have Ake unavailable, but they will also rest a couple of players, giving some substitutes the chance to start in the lineup.
Chelsea: Cech – Ivanovic, Zouma, Cahill, Azpilicueta – Ramires, Mikel – Salah, Oscar, Schurrle – Costa
Sporting: Patricio – Mauricio, Jefferson, Oliveira, Sarr – Carvalho, Mario, Silva – Slimani, Mane, Montero
The odds on Chelsea to win are a gift as far as I`m concerned, if it wasn`t for the motivation factor the price would be under 1.30. Indeed, motivation is a very important argument, but it`s sometimes overrated – you need to be able to win, not only to want it. I don`t feel the Nani-less Sporting has what it takes to resist at Stamford Bridge, even against this “weakened” Chelsea side – the Blues have so much depth. I also think the projected lineup for Chelsea is a perfect mix of top quality regulars and hungry reserves, who will have top motivation to perform. My tip is Chelsea to win. Prediction: Chelsea – Sporting Lisbon 2-0.
Pick: Chelsea
Odds: 1.75 @ William Hill
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 6.75
Event date: 10 December
