Chelsea vs. FC Porto in Champions League action
by Nila Amerova
Chelsea have a tradition of starting UEFA Champions League well and with their new season off to a great start, perfect in five rounds with 15 points and at the top of the Premier League table, maintaining that positive tradition looks to be all but certain.
The Blues welcome FC Porto for their UEFA Champions League Group D opener. FC Porto enjoyed an encouraging Champions League campaign and they will be looking to build on it this season. However, FC Porto has had a bit of a makeover since last season, diminishing their chances of replicating last season’s European sojourn never mind outdoing themselves.
Soccer Betting Line:
Chelsea -1 -145 -250 2½ O -105 U -115 1½ O -145 U +115 Draw +325
FC Porto +1 +125 +650 2½ O -105 U -115 ½ O -115 U -115 Draw +325
Match Time: 02:45 P.M. Eastern Time Tuesday September 15, 2009
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Soccer Betting Verdict: Chelsea FC enter this match as the massive favourites to win outright at -250 while FC Porto are huge underdogs at +650. For all the quality Porto have, Chelsea is every bit that much better.
Chelsea have been scoring at will and they are a good bet to score more than one goal so take the Over 1 ½ -145 for team total. On that vein, Chelsea to cover the spread at -1 -145 is also a worthwhile play.
FC Porto will be lucky if they find the net. Chelsea has allowed only three goals in five cycles of domestic matches. They will be more careful in Champions League to keep a clean sheet. However, if they are given the space they just might find it. Therefore, taking FC Porto on the team totals at Over ½ -115 is a good bet.
For all these parts, the totals at Over 2 ½ -105 would be a good play. Both sides have enough firepower to deliver an exciting opener to their UEFA Champions League bid.
FC Porto were European champions five years ago and some of the same players are still on the bench so they should not be underestimated. They should give a good account of themselves. That said this is Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s stomping ground. They are typically tough to beat on home turf. Chelsea to win outright at -250 is the only play.
Soccer Free Picks: Chelsea -250| Over 2.5 goals -105
