The stats suggest that Chelsea are a cracking bet at 1.67 with
Betfred to beat QPR in their fourth round FA Cup clash at Loftus Road.
The Blues have only lost four of their last 35 FA Cup matches away from home, whereas the Hoops have lost 11 of their last 12 against top-flight sides.
Mark Hughes’ side win over MK Dons in the third round replay was their first in the competition since 2001, whereas Chelsea have a terrific FA Cup pedigree having won three of the past five finals.
Sadly much of the build up to this game has focussed on whether John Terry and Anton Ferdinand will shake hands before kick off.
It stems from an alleged racist comment made by Terry towards 26-year-old Ferdinand during the sides’ league clash at Loftus Road on October 23 which Chelsea lost 1-0, but he strenuously denies the charge and the case goes to court next week.
For those interested,
Paddy Power go 1.91 about there being no handshake, but I am much more interested in the teams news and odds surrounding the game itself.
Chelsea will be without Frank Lampard after he suffered suffering a calf injury against Norwich City, and Gary Cahill is set to make his debut having been left out of the squad for last weekend’s goalless draw at Carrow Road.
John Obi Mikel is still out with a hamstring injury while Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are on international duty for the Ivory Coast in Africa.
No surprise then that Sturridge is favourite with the old enemy to open the scoring. He is a 5.5 shot with the likes of
bet365,
Boylesports and
Betfred and that looks decent value given that Torres has been chalked up at the same price!
Also, what is interesting is that for those that like to play in the correct score market is that none of the last nine meetings between the two sides has been won by more than a one-goal margin.
On the back of that I am going to suggest backing Chelsea to win 2-1 at a tempting 8.5 with
bet365.