Swansea v Chelsea betting preview: There's value backing The Swans to continue their impressive home form

Jan 31, 2012 10:30:00 AM

The Liberty Stadium has been a fortress for Swansea this season and Phil Kitromilides can see value in backing the home side to frustrate Chelsea

Backing Swansea not to lose at home this season has been a pretty profitable venture, with the side from Wales suffering only one defeat at the Liberty Stadium. The hosts are available at 16/5 (4.20) with Sportingbet to win this game.

In their home games during the last month, the Swans have drawn with Tottenham and beaten Arsenal, showing just how difficult a place it has become to come away from with all three points - Manchester United being the only side to have done so this season.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's form on the road has been average at best, with the Londoners drawing or losing more matches away from Stamford Bridge than they have won.

In fact Andre Villas-Boas' side have only won one of their last four away games in the Premier League, although they did manage a victory on Saturday in the FA Cup at Queens Park Rangers. The Blues can be backed at 17/20 (1.85) to claim all three points.

It all points then to backing Swansea in the Double Chance market, with a home win or a draw available at evens (2.00) with Sportingbet. Chelsea have lacked rhythm, cutting edge and intensity playing away from home.

At QPR on Saturday their football was fairly lacklustre, while in their last Premier League game at Norwich, they never looked like scoring against a team who had previously failed to keep a clean sheet. Swansea retain the ball supremely well and are more than capable of frustrating the Blues by holding them to a draw or even getting the win.

Another bet worth considering, is the timing of goals. Sportingbet offer 7/5 (2.40) that there will be a goal between 46-60 minutes and this looks tempting. Chelsea have scored or conceded goals during this period on 13 occasions, while Swansea have done the same 10 times.

Bet of the Day: Swansea or draw (Double Chance) at Evens (2.00) with Sportingbet

Value Bet: Goal scored from 46-60 minutes at 7/5 (2.40) with Sportingbet

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Phil Kitromilides is a professional sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid, you can also follow Phil on Twitter

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