Rafael Benitez's side welcome Sam Allardyce's men to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon and Willie Duncan is backing the home side to ease to victory
Chelsea secured their place in the last eight of the Europa League with a battling victory over Steaua Bucharest on Thursday night but the Blues' focus will return to Premier League duty at the weekend when they welcome West Ham United to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.The hosts are chalked up as warm 4/11 (1.36) favourites with Coral to maintain their push for a Uefa Champions League qualification berth by getting the better of Sam Allardyce's men.
The Hammers, of course, ran out as emphatic 3-1 winners when these sides met at Upton Park at the beginning of December and can be backed at a chunky 8/1 (9.0) with Coral to complete a famous double over Rafael Benitez’s side by claiming all three points here while the same firm go 7/2 (4.50) that the match ends in a draw.Despite experiencing mixed fortunes this term, the Blues have an impressive home record, having lost just two of their 14 Premier League matches at Stamford Bridge and, indeed, it is worth noting that the west Londoners have lead at half-time on no fewer than eight occasions.
By contrast, West Ham have struggled on the road this term, with last weekend’s win over Stoke City their first away win in 10 matches in all competitions while Sam Allardyce’s men have managed a paltry nine league goals away from home thus far this term.
With that in mind, the even money (2.0) quote on offer from Coral for Chelsea to lead at both half-time and full-time on Sunday looks to be a solid selection while the same firm also offer a hugely appealing 7/5 (2.40) that the Blues keep a clean sheet – something that Rafael Benitez’s men have achieved in four of their last five victories in all competitions.Juan Mata opened the scoring when these sides met back in December and the Spanish midfielder, who is Chelsea’s top scorer so far this term with 18 goals in all competitions, is available at 11/2 (6.50) to repeat the feat this weekend.
Mata broke the deadlock for the Blues against Steaua Bucharest in Thursday's Europa League tie and his guile may again hold the key to unlocking the West Ham defence on Sunday.
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| BEST BET |
VALUE BET |
| Chelsea to keep a clean sheet at 7/5 (2.40) with Coral | Juan Mata to score first at 11/2 (6.50) with Coral |
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Willie Duncan is a freelance sports journalist. Willie, from Edinburgh, has covered Scottish football for over 10 years and he specialises in football betting markets from across Europe. You can also follow Willie on Twitter
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