Chelsea unlikely to cruise past rival Blues

It was a 1-0 loss to Birmingham in November that provided a clear indication that Chelsea's wobble was in fact a serious slump, however things have turned around quite significantly since to the extent that a victory this evening has the potential to push the champions back into title contention.

The Blues will move within six points of Premier League leaders Manchester United if they beat their fellow Blues, and with the Red Devils still to face themselves and Arsenal, it would give them reason to believe in a miracle. At [1.22] to win tonight, they are fancied to fulfil their part of the bargain.

Carlo Ancelotti's side had a strong record against Birmingham prior to their setback at St Andrew's last autumn, avoiding defeat in the 17 previous encounters to have taken place between the two in the last 31 years.

But they have rarely humiliated the second city club in those collisions and shouldn't be expected to at Stamford Bridge this week either, as Birmingham are unbeaten in three and trying to secure survival with as many games to spare as is possible.

It's also worth noting that Chelsea, despite claiming eight triumphs in 11 and boasting the division's second best home points average, haven't won by more a Premier League fixture in front of their fans by more than two goals since Blackpool visited in September.

Four of their last six wins in west London have come by a single goal, so punts on under 2.5 goals at [2.66], Birmingham +1.5 & +2.0 on the Asian Handicap at [2.12] (click for more information) and 1-0 ([9.2]) and 2-0 ([7.2]) all appeal.

Thanks to our special offer for those opening new Betfair accounts, you can bet up to £25 on this match and have your stake refunded if your punt proves unsuccessful.

Will this be the night when Fernando Torres finally scores? He is [2.74] to net...

Published: 20 Apr 2011

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