Monday’s meeting between Chelsea and Middlesbrough is one which is of great significance to both clubs.
Antonio Conte’s men are closing in on a second Premier League title in three years and the Blues can stretch their lead at the top of the table to seven points with just three matches remaining with a win in west London following Tottenham's potentially fatal slip in the title race against West Ham United on Friday night.
With three of their final four fixtures on home soil, Chelsea seem certain to clinch the title and Conte’s charges are red-hot favourites at just 1/6 (1.17) with move within touching distance of being crowned as champions by taking all three points from this tussle. The odds compilers offer 8/1 (9.0) that both sides are forced to settle for a share of the spoils at Stamford Bridge.
Getty ImagesA draw, though, is of no use to Middlesbrough. Following Swansea City’s win against Everton at Liberty Stadium on Saturday evening, the equation is simple for Steve Agnew’s men – anything other than a win for Boro will see the team from Teesside crash back into the Championship, their relegation from the Premier League confirmed.
The Blues, though, have been beaten in just one of their last 17 home matches in all competitions, while ‘Boro have come out on top in just one of their 17 Premier League matches on the road this season.
Furthermore, Middlesbrough have won just one of their last 18 games in the top flight; the enormity of the challenge facing Agnew’s men, therefore, is clear and the 16/1 (17.0) quote for an away win is reflective of that.
GoalChelsea have won four of their last five matches in all competitions, scoring at least three goals in each of those victories and there is 8/11 (1.73) that Chelsea score more than two goals in this game, while the Blues can be backed at 2/1 (3.0) with the same firm to score at least four times against the team from Teesside.
Boro conceded four goals in both of their two most recent matches away from home – against Hull City and Bournemouth, while Agnew’s side have scored just 26 goals in 35 Premier League matches so far this season.
Chelsea therefore could take another significant stride towards taking the title with a convincing home win against the shot-shy visitors, for Conte’s team have been in free-scoring form in recent weeks, notching 14 goals in their last four victories in all competitions.
As such, bet365’s 11/10 (2.10) quote for the Blues to beat Middlesbrough by at least three goals could offer decent value for punters ahead of Monday’s match at Stamford Bridge.
