*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
My favourite thing about the Club World Cup is you really get the context around how passion in English football is now so diluted. There’s grown men on tears in the streets of Sao Paulo because they beat Al-Ahly, while most Chelsea fans were confused that playing games of football on Thursdays outside the Europa League window was even legal.
It is sad, though. We often think of non-UEFA participants as mere cannon fodder in this context but Corinthians, Sao Paulo and Internacional won the first three editions of this competition. And you might think it’s somewhat of a dead rubber, but the only times in which there’s really been a hammering have been when it’s either Real Madrid, Barcelona or the CAF side have reached the final.
WELCOME TO PADDY POWER NEWS
The latest football odds are on PaddyPower.com right nowChelsea’s semi-final performance should be enough of an indication that, if you’re a Chelsea fan, you should be watching this due to the result genuinely being in the balance. If you’re not a Chelsea fan, you should probably stick this on because Palmeiras beating them might just be the comedy sketch to launch your weekend.
And God knows after the longest January in existence, we need a good laugh. Here’s a Bet Builder so you can get more than a s***e card for the one you love on Monday morning.
*A Bet Builder with these four best bets pays at approximately 23/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
Saturday 4.30pm: Chelsea v Palmeiras
TV: Channel 4
Palmeiras or the Draw
I think many people are looking for a surefire bet, but ultimately they need to read the room a bit better. Chelsea have shown indifference to this tournament and coasted through it.
The clever approach was probably to play fringe players but that semi-final lineup clearly suggests Tuchel is on board with landing as many trophies to his cabinet as humanly possible.
That’s a lovely approach but won’t go down well with a group of players who’d quite literally be anywhere else. Palmeiras will be absolutely at it from the word go and the pace of the game could cause quite a stir for the Blues if they don’t want to match the intensity. Palmeiras Win/Draw Double Chance kicks us off.
Under 2.5 Goals
I don’t foresee a situation where there’s wholesale goals in a Cup final that could potentially be an embarrassment for one side. Nor do I think Palmeiras are good enough to turn the screw and knock in three goals themselves.
It’ll be a tense affair with no more than a goal between the sides. In that scenario, the Under 2.5 Goals is the right play.
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Dudu to Score Anytime
This fella is the absolute worst nightmare for a side who want to maintain possession and pass their way to success. He presses, and he’ll be played either out wide or through the middle depending on where Chelsea’s focal point for distribution lies.
He’s lightning quick and his legs aren’t long enough to immediately spot him peeling off a defender. He scored in the semi-final and found the net in his last league game, too. Dudu to Score Anytime. He’s the hot hand (or foot, I suppose?)
Palmeiras to Have Three or More Shots on Target
There’s a real snobbery towards this team, but it’s worth pointing out that they’re top of their league with seven goals coming from six different players. There’s sharpshooters all over the pitch and we can expect Palmeiras to Have Three or More Shots on Target.
Chelsea v Palmeiras tips
Palmeiras or the Draw
Under 2.5 Goals
Dudu to Score Anytime
Palmeiras to Have Three or More Shots on Target
*A Bet Builder with these four best bets pays at approximately 23/1 with Paddy Power. CLICK HERE TO ADD IT TO YOUR BETSLIP.
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Saturday football tips
- Football Tips: our 33/1 Bet Builder for Man Utd v Southampton
- Football Tips: 11/2 play stars in Thommo’s Norwich v Man City best bets
- Premier League Tips: Paddy Power’s betting guide to the weekend fixtures
- Football Tips: Thommo’s fab 15/2 flutter for Everton v Leeds
- Bet Builder Tips: Our tasty 25/1 flutter for Norwich v Man City
- Football Tips: 13/2 bet will do for Thommo in Man Utd v Southampton punts
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