Counter argument: five reasons why Chelsea won’t beat CFR Cluj

Chelsea/CFR Cluj, 7.45pm, ITV1, Best Odds, Free Bets

Chelsea could be eliminated from the Champions League tonight if they fail to beat Cluj and Bordeaux win away to Roma but nobody is really expecting that to happen. The general consensus is that even if Chelsea slip up, Roma will bail them out. However, the draw still seems ridiculously overpriced at 9.2 with Betfair (the away win is 27), so here are five reasons why Chelsea could stumble tonight:

1. Chelsea have gone three home games without a win and have only won one of their last five at Stamford Bridge.

2. The two sides drew when they met in Romania two months ago. Cluj won 2-1 away to group leaders Roma earlier this season and were only beaten by an own goal in Bordeaux.

3. Frank Lampard’s suspension is a huge blow. Of the seven goals that Chelsea have scored so far in Europe this season, the midfielder has scored one and set up four, meaning that just two have come without his involvement.

4. Joe Cole is fit again and with Florent Malouda an injury doubt it’s seems likely he will start. However, Chelsea have taken just two points from the last three games the winger has started.

5. Chelsea have won their final group game in only one of the last four seasons. In three of the last four campaigns they have drawn their last home game 0-0, which is 16/1 with 888sport (23 with Betfair).

Posted: December 9th, 2008 by Michael Lintorn |