Chelsea vs Reading Betting Tips

December 25, 2006 - Ian Ross When Chelsea and Reading met for the first time in the Premiership in October, the game was one which will be remembered for all the wrong reasons - a Stephen Hunt challenge on Blues keeper Petr Cech left the latter with a depressed fracture of the skull and in need of emergency brain surgery. One thing's for sure, Hunt can expect a frosty reception at 'The Bridge' on Boxing Day.
 
That incident occurred after just 20 seconds at the Madejski Stadium and set the tone for a chaotic encounter which saw Chelsea's John Obi Mikel and Reading's Andre Bikey both sent off, and the visitors' substitute keeper, Carlo Cudicini, was carried off the field in a neck brace after a collision with Ibrahima Sonko.
 
Chelsea eventually won that back-alley brawl but, fittingly, it was an own-goal that settled it - Ivar Ingimarsson turned the ball past his own keeper on the stroke of half time. To their credit, though, The Royals battled on well after the interval and didn't roll over for Chelsea. However, in recent weeks Steve Coppell's men have seemed to lose some of their luster.
 
After winning four on the bounce, the Premiership debutants have lost their last four and just don't seem to have the same level of spring in their heels which was evident initially. Perhaps the novelty of being the top-flight's newbie’s has worn off and the level of competition is now taking its toll? In any case, Stamford Bridge is the last place a team would want to visit when seemingly not at the peak of their powers.
 
Indeed, Jose Mourinho's charges are in hot pursuit of pacesetters Man Utd in their bid to land a third successive league title and remain unbeaten at their SW6 lair this season. Subsequent to their surprise defeat at the hands of Spurs, the Blues have won seven of their last nine Premiership fixtures; the other two matches resulted in draws against United and Arsenal respectively.
 
The reigning champs will hope to welcome inspirational defender John Terry back into the fold. Terry has missed the last three games with a back injury, while Hilario looks set to continue between the sticks as Cudicini is still recovering from a thigh injury. But one thing that Chelsea are not short of is resources and they will have too much muscle for Reading on Tuesday.
 
One suspects that the visitors will aim for damage limitation - attempt to try and escape the lions den that is Stamford Bridge with a draw. After all, that would be tantamount to a victory for the comparative minnows. However, as we have seen on many occasions, when the opposition attempts to defend deep against Chelsea, eventually the wave after wave of blue attacks become too strong.
 
Reading will, however, offer a degree of resistance and, as such, opting for second half in the half with most goals betting at 11/10 with Sporting Odds makes for a logical bet. In Chelsea's last four matches this very bet would have ensured profit duly ensued and, given the home side's propensity to build momentum as their games progress, this should again be the case. 
 
Verdict - 2.5 points second half in the half with most goals market @ 11/10 (Sporting Odds)

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