Sparta Prague - Chelsea Betting Preview: Backing the Czechs to compound Benitez's misery in the Europa League

Sparta Prague-Chelsea Betting Preview: Sparta could compound Benitez's misery in the Europa League

Feb 14, 2013 10:00:00 AM

Having crashed out of the Champions League, The Blues will now be keen to bring home another European trophy. Al Hain-Cole does not expect them to have an easy start though

After suffering the humiliation of becoming the first Champions League holders to drop out of the competition at the group stages, a Europa League tie against Sparta Prague must seem like a bit of an anti-climax for Chelsea.

However, with the Premier League title as unattainable this season as it ever has been under Roman Abramovich’s opulent reign, this tournament gives The Blues a chance to cap a disappointing season with some silverware.

Under-fire interim coach Rafa Benitez won this competition with Valencia back in 2004, and Bet Victor are offering odds of 7/10 (1.70) on him adding to his enviable European record with a valuable away victory.

However, Vitezslav Lavicka’s side have not lost a European tie at home in 11 matches, and will be fresh after two month’s rest due to the Czech Republic’s winter break.

With this in mind, odds of 19/4 (5.75) may seem generous for the match to result in a home win, and the same goes for the 11/4 (3.75) price on offer for the draw.

Considering the visitors have gone four games without a win on the road, and crucially lost their last two Champions League away ties, it is well worth taking up the tasty 23/20 (2.15) price for Sparta to win or draw this evening.

One man that Chelsea will need to keep a close eye on is Vaclav Kadlec, who has scored four goals in six Europa League starts for The Reds this season.

The 20-year-old has been his side’s danger man since breaking into the first team at the tender age of 16, and is trusted with all the major set piece duties.

With a record of a goal every other game this season, it is surprising that he is available at a lengthy 19/5 (4.80) to score anytime, and that price is certainly too good to pass up.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Sparta to win or draw at 23/20 (2.15) with Bet Victor

Vaclav Kadlec to score anytime at 19/5 (4.80) with Bet Victor

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Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.