Chelsea vs Real Betis Betting Preview and Analysis

Chelsea play Real Betis in the second of their Champions League double header with the Spanish outfit. If the Premiership champions win the game, they qualify for the last 16 of the competition, not that is in anydoubt regardless of the result. When the two sides met a fortnight ago, Betis were hammered 4-0. Since then the Seville team have not enjoyed good fortune, conceding 10 goals in three games and slipping to 17th in La Liga. Most recently at the weekend, they struggled to overcome a Real Madrid side missing the majority of their Galaticos. That was hardly the ideal preparation for a game against a Chelsea side littered with super stars. Five players have been lost to injury in that span, including key player Brazilian Marco Assuncao and midfielder Miguel Angel Lozano. Anything but a win would leave Betis practically out of contention for a place in the second round. Lorenzo Serra Ferrer's troubled team are third in the group with just three points from three games, four points behind Chelsea and Liverpool. In stark contrast, the Blues have made great strides on the domestic front. They are unbeaten in 40 straight league games, and are yet to taste defeat in ninety minutes this term. The only blemish is a penalty shootout loss against Charlton in the Carling Cup. Given the differing fortunes of the two sides, it is somewhat suprising to see Paddy Power offer an industry best price 10/11. Betis may need the points more, but based on their current form and injury situation, beating a Chelsea side bristling with confidence is unlikely. Three points on Tuesday night would allow Jose Mourihno the luxury of playing the final two group games without the pressure of having to qualify. That should be sufficient motivation for his squad to do the business in Seville. Those with an interest in the various bookings markets will be interested to know that Alain Hamer is the nominated official. The Luxumberg official is one of the less forgiving referees from Europe's top tier, and can often be relied upon to brandish cards where others may deem only a quiet word in the ear as appropriate. When the two sides met a fortnight ago, seven players were cautioned and I am reliably informed by sources at the Stamford Bridge game, there were many more occasions where the Norwegian referee ought to have produced a card. Sporting Index offer 48-52 on the books. A small buy is the order of the day.