Betdistrict.com
A seemingly rejuvenated Chelsea side will play host to League One side Scunthorpe United, with the two clubs set to meet in the FA Cup third round.
Chelsea is on a 4 match winning streak, including a 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in their last game and the Blues seem to be back to their best under new boss Hiddink – which is not a surprise, considering Hiddink’s well known ability to have an instant positive impact once he takes over a team. Chelsea still has a glimmer of hope to finish Top 4 in the Premier League or do well in the Champions League, but clearly the biggest realistic objective this season is the FA Cup. As such, do not expect them to take Scunthorpe lightly – especially since Chelsea lost last season to Bradford City in this competition, so they are aware of the risks.
The visitors are currently on the 15th place in the League One standings and that’s pretty much an accurate reflection of their potential. An honest, hard working team with a decent defense, but devoid of talent. Scunthorpe United is on the back of two consecutive draws and did not lose in the last three matches.
Bet on Chelsea – Scunthorpe and get your 150% welcome bonus at 18Bet.com now!
Team news & lineups:
The hosts are taking this match very seriously, they really want this FA Cup and Hiddink is not expected to make massive changes – though obviously he will rotate a bit. Scunthorpe is expected to use the best available lineup. Regarding injuries / suspensions there’s not much to talk about, each side with 2-3 unavailable players, nothing major.
Chelsea: Begovic – Ivanovic, Cahill, Zouma, Rahman – Loftus-Cheek, Fabregas – Willian, Oscar, Pedro – Costa
Scunthorpe: Daniels – Laird, Canavan, Mirfin, Clarke – Bishop, Dawson, Madden, Ness, Williams – van Veen
Chelsea seems to have all the circumstances in place to avoid an unpleasant surprise. They are in good form, they are very motivated for this competition and they will not take Scunthorpe lightly after what happened last season with Bradford City. In these conditions, it will be very difficult for a mediocre (at best) League One side to realistically challenge the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
My tip is Chelsea to win and cover the 1,5 goal handicap, with high stakes invested on the bet. They should do it easily with a very strong starting lineup against a side that is not even in particular good form in its own division. This might be a simple public bet, but I do not see an upset here, so I am happy to take it.
I feel the odds are actually surprisingly good, I think Chelsea should not have over 1.50 to cover this handicap. Prediction: Chelsea – Scunthorpe 3-0.
Pick: Chelsea -1,5
Odds: 1.57 @ Unibet
Stake: 9
Possible profit: 5.13
Event date: 10 January
