Live On Sky Sports 1: Sun 14:00 & 16:00. Chris Hutcheon previews Sunday’s Premier League games between Everton and Arsenal and Chelsea and Sunderland
The last time Chelsea hosted Sunderland back in January, they ran out 7-2 winners and ambitious punters can speculate on a repeat of that scoreline at odds of 250/1 with bet365 as the pair renew hostilities at Stamford Bridge this afternoon.
Of course, with their embarrassing 5-1 defeat at local rivals Newcastle still fresh in their memories, the Black Cats will be desperate to avoid further humiliation on the road and they can certainly ensure that the result is a touch more respectable in this one; however their points tally from the clash is still likely to be zero according to bookies, with Gaembookers installing the Blues as strong favourites at 2/9 and Stan James quoting the visitors at 16/1.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are formidable defensively on home soil and a combination of their clean sheet total and the absence of Darren Bent for Sunderland points to a Chelsea victory ‘to nil’, available at 10/11 (Paddy Power).
More specifically, Coral rate the hosts at 6/1 to strike twice without reply and punters seeking value in the handicaps can back the Blues at 8/13 courtesy of William Hill, when Steve Bruce’s charges kick-off a goal to the good. In attack meanwhile, it was Nicolas Anelka that started last season’s goal glut, putting Chelsea in front after just eight minutes and Totesport quote the French striker at 10/3 to break the deadlock again but it’s Didier Drogba (11/4, Ladbrokes), now over a malaria scare, that can notch first.
Arsenal face a difficult assignment today as they head to Goodison Park to face Everton and bookies aren’t entirely convinced that the Gunners will emerge triumphant. Admittedly, they’re favourites but 888Sport’s 5/4 hints at an element of doubt and the Toffees undoubtedly have the quality to make a mockery of ’s 12/5 chalked against a home win, especially in what is likely to be hostile atmosphere for the visitors. The draw at 12/5 (Betfred) is perhaps the safest option on Merseyside and those in agreement can back a 1-1 stalemate at 11/2 with Betdaq.
Recommended Bets:
Chelsea to beat Sunderland ‘to nil’ – 10/11 (Paddy Power)
Everton and Arsenal to draw – 12/5 (Betfred)
