FOOTBALL BETTING: Following last week’s victory over Man United Betfred make Chelsea 8/13 to win the Premier League and even money to retain the FA Cup making the double a shade under 5/4.
In a dress rehearsal for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final showdown between Chelsea and Aston Villa a fortnight ago, Carlo Ancelotti’s men ran out 7-1 winners, and while a repeat of that emphatic victory is deemed somewhat unlikely at odds of 300/1 with bet365, the same firm’s 8/13 favourites have to be fancied to prevail at Wembley.
The Blues followed up that mauling of Villa by landing maximum points at Old Trafford, a feat only Martin O’Neill’s men had achieved this term up until that point, and with their tails up, Chelsea should have too much for Paddy Power’s 5/1 outsiders, for whom even a draw at 10/3 (Betdaq) looks unlikely.
Nevertheless, having got back to winning ways at Bolton on Saturday, Villa can be far more competitive than they were at Stamford Bridge and Ancelotti’s side may subsequently have to settle for a one-goal margin of victory; an outcome William Hill offer at 12/5.
More specifically, in a game that should see both teams find the net (3/4, Jaxx.com), Partybets could find themselves paying out at 7/1 on a 2-1 Chelsea triumph but it would be no surprise if Villa kept the holders pegged back until the second period; Victor Chandler making them 6/5 to ensure scores are level at the break and Stan James pricing the Blues at 10/3 to book their place in May’s final despite an even first half.
Didier Drogba meanwhile, played a key role in the win against Manchester United, coming off the bench to smash his sixth in four league matches and he’s 3/1 (Betfred) to carry that form into this contest by bagging the opening goal.
In Sunday’s semi-final contest, Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is 3/10 courtesy of 888Sport, to guide his Spurs team to victory against his former club Portsmouth. Pompey resigned themselves to relegation some time ago and have therefore been gearing themselves towards this encounter, but Tottenham’s class should ultimately tell and they’re well placed to not only come out on top, but to do so without conceding (11/10, Partybets).
Ladbrokes offer 11/2 for them to notch twice without reply and another face familiar to Pompey supporters, Peter Crouch, can set Spurs on their way by breaking the deadlock; an outcome available with Totesport at 10/3.
In the Premiership, Manchester United can capitalise on Chelsea’s cup engagement and reclaim top spot with a victory at Blackburn. Betdaq price Sir Alex Ferguson’s men at 1/2 to collect maximum points at Ewood Park, where they’re 13/10 with Paddy Power to win ‘to nil’ and 13/2 (Victor Chandler) to grab the only goal.
United’s neighbours Manchester City should enhance their chances of finishing in fourth; bet365 posting 4/9 against them seeing off Birmingham at Eastlands but Liverpool, at 1/3 with Stan James, can stay in touch in that race for the final Champions League place by beating Fulham at Anfield.
At the bottom, 888Sport rate Hull at a generous 4/5 to inflict more misery on hapless Burnley by sending them home from the KC Stadium empty-handed, a result that would effectively rubber-stamp the Clarets’ relegation while West Ham (11/ 10, Totesport) should build on their draw at Everton and boost their survival hopes with a home win against Sunderland. Finally, Wolves and Stoke are 9/4 (Jaxx.com) to share the spoils at Molineux.
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