Chelsea - AC Milan Betting Preview: Why the Blues look excellent value for the win
Jul 27, 2012 4:00:00 PM
With the Blues having spent intelligently this summer, Phil Kitromilides can see them recording a win against the Italians, and has picked a 5/1 (6.00) value selection
It is has so far been a summer of contrasting emotions for fans of these two giants of world football.While Chelsea have been quick to reinforce their status as European champions by acquiring the likes of Oscar, Marko Marin and Eden Hazard, Milan have seen two of their biggest stars swap northern Italy for the delights of the French capital.
Zlatan Ibrahimovich and Thiago Silva both commanded astronomical fees and wages to join what must now be termed the Paris Saint-Germain "project".
Indeed, such has been the despair with which those two departures were greeted in Milan, that the club offered to refund fans who had already purchased season tickets for the forthcoming campaign.
There is no such discord in the blue part of west London, and William Hill offer Chelsea at a tempting 6/5 (2.20) to complete a victory over their psychologically beleaguered Italian opponents. The Rossoneri, meanwhile, are offered at 9/5 (2.80), while the draw can be backed at 11/5 (3.20).
Yet the overwhelming temptation has to be backing the Londoners to claim victory and the price looks extremely attractive. Though the Blues have fielded some experimental formations and line-ups in their two previous games on their North American tour, there is a youthful vibrancy to the side which cannot fail to excite their supporters.
With Didier Drogba gone, Romelu Lukaku will be aiming for more regular first-team football, and the bruising Belgian bully of a striker has already netted twice in pre-season.
Marko Marin will also be attempting to lay claim to a first-team place in the absence of Juan Mata, who is on Olympic duty, while the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard inject incision and creativity into the side.
In short, if they can gel, Chelsea look an exciting prospect, and there is little to support backing against them this evening.
For a value bet consider the price of 5/1 (6.00) on Marin to score at any time. With the winger having already netted for the Blues it looks like a generous price.
 |
BET |
OF THE |
DAY |
| BEST BET |
VALUE BET |
| Chelsea to win at 6/5 (2.20) with William Hill |
Marko Marin to score at any time at 5/1 (6.00) with William Hill |
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Phil Kitromilides is a sports broadcaster working on radio and TV in London and Madrid. You can also follow Phil on Twitter.
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