Chelsea - Corinthians Betting Preview: Backing The Blues to come out on top in a high-scoring encounter

Dec 16, 2012 8:06:00 AM

After picking two winners in the European champions' semi-final win, Al Hain-Cole casts his eye over their final against the cream of South America. He expects goals at both ends

For the seventh time in the eight years since the competition was reformatted to include all six continental champions, the final of the Club World Cup will be contested between the representatives from Europe and South America.

Chelsea’s easy 3-1 victory over Mexican club Monterrey gives Rafa Benitez the opportunity to win this competition for the second time, while Corinthians will be hoping to become the first non-European side to lift the trophy in six years after overcoming African Champions Al Ahly 1-0 in the semi-final.

Given the recent European dominance in this tournament, it is perhaps no surprise that The Blues are favourites to bring home the silverware this time, and are available at 4/5 (1.80) with William Hill to win in normal time.

Like the Londoners, Corinthians are competing in Japan after winning their continental championship for the first time, and you can back them at 7/2 (4.50) to secure a shock victory.

Only one final has gone into extra-time since 2005, but you can get odds of 5/2 (3.50) on the game being tied after 90 minutes on this occasion.

Although many feared that Chelsea might become a more defensive outfit under the fastidious leadership of Benitez, the European champions have actually hit the back of the net 13 times in their last four matches.

In fact, The Blues have still not quite kicked the habit of conceding sloppy goals, and have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of those four fixtures.

Considering their opponents have only failed to score twice in their last 25 games, it makes sense to back both teams to hit the back of the net in Yokohama, at odds of 8/11 (1.73).

Benitez explained that the only way to get the fans onside after his unpopular appointment was by winning matches, and he has now done so on the last three outings.

The two most recent victories have come by a 3-1 scoreline, and this was also the result in Corinthians’ most recent domestic match, as they came unstuck against rivals Sao Paulo.

With odds of 14/1 (15.00) up for grabs, it is well worth having a flutter on the English side to win by that margin on Sunday.

BET

OF THE

DAY

BEST BET

VALUE BET

Both sides to score at 8/11 (1.73) with William Hill

Chelsea to win 3-1 at 14/1 (15.00) with William Hill

Sign up with William Hill for a £25 free bet

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.

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