* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
The Champions League has returned, at long last! On Tuesday night we see reigning champions Chelsea facing off against Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg in the group opener. Chelsea coming off a 3-0 demolition job of Aston Villa will be looking to carry that scoring form into this fixture.
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Stamford Bridge will be alive and full of fans eager to see Romelu Lukaku tear the defensive partnership of Dejean Lovren (yup, remember him? – “Best defender in the world”) and Yaroslav Rakitskyi. Zenit themselves are just after a 3-1 win against Akhmat Grozny who currently sit 10th in the Russian Premier League.
But without further ado, let’s get to looking at what we can feature in a Bet Builder to try win us some money.
* A Bet Builder on these best bets pays at approximately 40/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Chelsea to Win
Nothing too surprising here, Chelsea are looking very strong, and the addition of Lukaku up front has meant that Chelsea have an anchor up front that can isn’t going to make an absolute mess of goal opportunities handed to him a la Werner. From 1 to 11 Chelsea are significantly better as a side overall, and that’s before even considering the depth coming in from the bench.
Over 2.5 Goals
It’s going to be one of those group games that we see goals in, and thank goodness for that! Chelsea have scored 9 goals in their 5 total games this season and have significantly outperformed their own xG too meaning they’re not just scoring the high percentage chances that they have, but they’re also scoring goals that they have no right to be scoring, a fans dream! I can see Chelsea cruising by this Zenit side who are probably only going to be eyeing up that Europa League seat anyway.
Both Teams to Score? No
Despite the fact that Zenit found the net 3 times at the weekend, I would expect that their goalscoring exploits to have been left back in St. Petersburg. Chelsea are significantly above anything that they would be facing in the Russian Premier League. Mendy should have himself another clean sheet to add to his three for the season.
Romelu Lukaku to Score 2 or More Goals
I know, it sounds audacious, mad even but hear me out. Lukaku has been an absolute machine for Chelsea since he arrived at the club. 3 goals in 3 appearances isn’t by chance- and the level Zenit will be playing at is significantly lower than by the teams he’s been demolishing all they way through. I can see him taking this game by the scruff of the neck and finding the net multiple times.
Mason Mount Anytime Assist
Mount is one of the top players in Europe in terms of shot creating actions with 4.63 per 90 minutes. What does this mean? It means he makes chances happen, a lot and to make matters better, he finally isn’t stuck laying the ball onto Timo Werner, so he can actually register himself some assists! That’s why we’re backing him in our bet builder today.
Artem Dzyuba to Have a Shot on Target
Ah Dzyuba, Russian legend both on and off the pitch. Famously stripped of his captaincy and dropped from the Russian national team for a Kardashian Level Event. But even with that, he’s still always going to be the go-to man for this Zenit side. He wrapped up last season with 20 goals to his name and 40 shots on target. Expect to see him have one in this match!
Chelsea v Zenit St Petersburg
Chelsea to Win
Over 2.5 Goals
Both Teams to Score? No
Romelu Lukaku to Score 2 or More Goals
Mason Mount Anytime Assist
Artem Dzyuba to Have a Shot on Target
* A Bet Builder on these best bets pays at approximately 40/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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