England Premier League: Chelsea v Stoke

Match	Date	Selection	Bet	Odds	Bet now
England Premier League: Chelsea v Stoke Premier League England, England	22/09/2012 15:00	asian handicap	Chelsea -1.5	2.23	Bet at 188bet
Betting prediction was written by Dan Adair

SWANSEA - EVERTON PREDICTION STATS

Chelsea top the league with 3 wins and 1 draw. A very strong start to the season with all three wins coming with an exact 2 goal margin. The draw was a 0-0 away draw at QPR. Chelsea are averaging 2.50 goals a game, a surprising statistic for such a dominant Chelsea team.
Stoke have started off with 4 consecutive draws. This powerful team have found scoring difficult and are struggling somewhat. The two home draws were against Arsenal and Man City so its clear they will start picking up the points when the difficult ties are over. Stoke are devoid of goals in their games and are clocking up on 2 goals a game.

TEAM NEWS AND RUN OF PLAY

Chelsea's game has moved on from the power plays of before to the intricate passing and clever through balls from the deep lying forwards. Fernando Torres is the focal point but its the attacking midfielders of Hazard, Mata and Oscar who are rightly claiming the plaudits. With Frank Lampard sitting deeper but still offering a potent goal threat Chelsea are in great shape. Defensively sound and with further attacking threats in Ivanovic and Cole Chelsea have a depth to their squad that only City can match. Chelsea have doubts over forward players Marin and Sturridge.
Stoke's game is a surprise to no-one and is perhaps becoming easier to combat. With the addition of Michael Owen to the squad, Stoke could have pulled off a masterstroke. If (and it is a huge if) they can get him fit and playing regularly his partnership with Crouch could reap massive benefits. The team is a solid set up with towering, commited players all over the park. The long ball, both from feet and the massive throws of Delap is the preferred option but they are capable of knocking it about. Only defender Andy Wilkinson is absent (suspension)

1X2 BET CHELSEA - STOKE PREVIEW

Chelsea have too much for Stoke here. The odds are short (1.39 Pinnacle) however but they are worth taking as the home side will win. The attacking play of the home side is irrestible and for the full 90 minutes its too much to expect Stoke to be able to defend against. Chelsea will overrun Stoke and I see a few goals in the victory too.

CLICK HERE to take 1.39 on Chelsea win.

ASIAN HANDICAP PREDICTIONS

Chelsea -1.5 (2.23 188Bet) is the selection even though this appears a tight match. Chelsea have three wins so far with all by the two goal margin. They have yet to kick on and destroy teams as yet but this is likely as their attacking intent is so high. Chelsea have the players to combat the power plays of Stoke in Terry and Cahill, with Luiz capable in the air also.

CLICK HERE to take 2.23 on Chelsea -1.5

TOTAL GOALS PREDICTIONS

Over goals is favourite as would be expected in such a short priced game. Stoke do keep it tight but I feel Chelsea have the players to carve them open and thus Stoke will have to try and score themselves. Over 2.50 is a best priced 1.76 (Betfair) but with all the quality attackers on show goals should be plentiful here. With such competition for starts in the Chelsea ranks the chance to impress and score goals is increasing the commitment levels for the forwards.

CLICK HERE to take 1.76 on Over 2.50 goals.