Premier League Betting Preview - Chelsea FC vs. West Ham United

Recent dip in form saw Chelsea FC overhauled as table leaders. It has not seen them fall out of favour in the sports betting marketplace though as the team boasts one of the more talented benches in Premier League and overall, they are playing to their level of talent, showing off an attractive football that is engaging to the eye and appealing to sports bettors.

Immediately after the stunning loss to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge a fortnight ago, Chelsea bounced back, beating the Bolton Wanderers 2:0 on the away. They carried the momentum through to the final Champions’ League group fixture midweek and dramatically secured passage into the knockout rounds, narrowly beating CFR Cluj 2:1 when a Drogba inspired strike took the Blues up by a goal.

Chelsea FC occupies second place in the table, a point behind leaders, Liverpool FC. (They also finished second in their section behind AS Roma at the culmination of Champions League group fixtures.) Chelsea FC is determined to win the Premiership title race this season. They need to stay close to Liverpool FC by winning this match and continue to apply pressure.

Soccer Betting Line:

Chelsea FC -1½ -140 -425 2½ O -130 U +110 2 O -150 U +120 Draw +450

West Ham United +1½ +120 +1200 2½ O -130 U +110 ½ O +120 U -150 Draw +450

Match Time: 8:30 A.M. Eastern Time Sunday December 14, 2008

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Chelsea FC -425: The Blues inspire confidence in the sports betting marketplace and typically are tipped – as they are for their upcoming match against West Ham– the huge favourites. At a -425 price tag, they are firm favourites to win.

Chelsea FC boasts one of the best away forms in the league this season. Away from their stomping ground, they are nothing short of sublime but at home, they have shown some vulnerability. In their last six fixtures at Stamford Bridge, they have gone 2-2-2, hauling only eight out of a potential 18 points. The mark is a slight concern for Scolari and if he can’t find a way for his glittering superstar players to break down sides that come calling they will be in serious trouble between now and the end of the season.

West Ham United +1200: West Ham United have been plagued with troubles on the road, winning only twice on their travels. Their away record, together with an upcoming fixture against one of the league’s best sides in Chelsea, the long shot odds are understandable. That being said, Chelsea FC has been far from their scintillating best at home. West Ham hovers dangerously close to the drop zone and they need the three points to remain out of the undesirable area. They bring a three-match undefeated run on the away to Stamford Bridge: drawing against Middlesbrough (1:1) and Liverpool (0:0) and beating Sunderland (1:0).

Soccer Betting Verdict: West Ham’s coach Gianfranco Zola is a former Blues legend and returns to his former stomping ground for the first time as a manager, under pressure to keep his side in England’s top-flight league. Liverpool ended Chelsea’s enviable unbeaten record at home and Arsenal, Newcastle and Spurs have all shared in the spoils, taking points from the Blues, so there is no reason to underestimate West Ham’s chances on Sunday. It would be a long shot bet for an away win, so a wager on West Ham at +1200 is recommended only for those sports bettors who consider themselves as long shot punters and who can stomach such a risk. The betting trend will favour a home win for Chelsea but at -425 odds, although they are bankable they profit is hardly going to break the bank. Betting on the draw at +450 is a reasonable option – call it meeting in the middle.

Soccer Free Picks: Draw +450 | Over 2.5 goals -130

Nila Amerova is a freelance sports writer and regular contributor to the BetUS.com Locker Room