*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.
Chelsea’s win over Tottenham in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final on Wednesday night provided much needed relief after a dismal run in the league that saw them collect just 10 points from their last seven league games and effectively remove themselves from the title race. Thomas Tuchel’s side have the chance to build some real momentum before their crunch league game against Manchester City next weekend by putting a non-league Chesterfield side to the sword on Saturday.
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Chesterfield have been the best team in the National League so far this season and are undefeated in all competitions since September, but the chances of them extending that run another game are slim at best. Chelsea remain one of the best teams in Europe and appear to have put the Romelu Lukaku situation behind them.
Saturday 5.30pm: Chelsea v Chesterfield
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Short-Priced Punt: Chelsea to win first half & over 1.5 goals
They have found the back of the net in the first half in seven of their last nine games in all competitions, scoring two first half goals in three different games in that nine-game spell, including the last two.
It is in Chelsea’s interests to put this game to bed as quickly as possible and they shouldn’t have too much trouble breaching the Chesterfield defence. Expect a fast start and for Chelsea to Win First Half & Over 1.5 Goals.
Value Play: Chelsea to Score a Penalty
There is a reason why Jorginho is Chelsea’s top-scorer in all competitions. The Chelsea midfielder has dispatched nine goals in all competitions for the Blues this season, with all of them coming from the penalty spot.
Chelsea have won the most penalties of any team in the Premier League this season, winning seven in their opening 21 games. They have won five penalties in their last nine league games and six in their last 11 games in domestic competitions.
Given that they are likely to dominate possession and territory against Chesterfield, there is every chance that they will win yet another penalty on Saturday. It’s equally as likely that Chelsea will Score a Penalty.
Long Shot: Chelsea to win 5-0
Chelsea have failed to win their last three home league games and have won just one of their last six at Stamford Bridge in the league, but this represents an excellent opportunity to spring back-to-back home wins together following their win over Tottenham.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have struggled in front of goals on many occasions since the German took the reins last January but have shown an ability to throw off the shackles on certain occasions and batter teams. They put seven past Norwich at the end of October and inflicted 4-0 hammerings on both Malmo and Juventus in the Champions League.
However, they have only scored four goals or more on one other occasion under Tuchel – against Crystal Palace in April last year – and very rarely threaten to truly hammer teams into submission. They are likely to rotate against Chesterfield on Saturday night but should have more than enough to run up a big score and at the price I’ll go with Chelsea to Win 5-0.
Chelsea v Chesterfield tips
Short-Priced Punt: Chelsea to Win First Half & Over 1.5 Goals
Value Play: Chelsea to Score a Penalty
Long Shot: Chelsea to win 5-0
*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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