FA Cup finalists Chelsea and Everton clash in Premier League action

For soccer betting junkies, the Premier League fixture between Chelsea FC and Everton FC on Wednesday serves up a scintillating preview of their upcoming FA Cup clash at Wembley. Chelsea FC beat Arsenal on Saturday to secure their premier position in the FA Cup final; meanwhile, Everton FC masterminded the upset when they took out Premier League darlings Manchester United on Sunday to book their ticket to Wembley.

Dubbed as a dress rehearsal for the FA Cup, final all eyes will be on their clash at Stamford Bridge and its outcome. But truth be told, this fixture will be very different from the title match at Wembley where they will be meeting on neutral territory, with everything to play for and the FA Cup on the line.

There is no such prize at stake in this Premier League clash. Both sides are secure in the Premier League for another season. Chelsea are in third spot and theoretically, still in the title race; Everton are in sixth spot, seven points clear of seventh placed West Ham United and a UEFA Cup berth all but secure.

That is not to say that either side will not play to win this match. Indeed, they will. But perhaps Chelsea more so than Everton will have the added motivation. The Blues will want to take all three points and put more pressure on Manchester United and Liverpool, now tied at 71 points at the top of the table. At 67 points, Chelsea needs the three points to close the gap and perpetuate the notion that this is still very much a three-horse race to the Premier League title. A loss would be tantamount to disaster for their league campaign.

Soccer Betting Line:

Chelsea FC -1  -130   -240   2½  O -105   U -115    2  O +110   U -140   Draw   +300    

 Everton FC  +1  +110   +800 2½  O -105   U -115    ½  O -120   U -110 Draw   +300    

 Match Time: 03:00 P.M. Eastern Time Wednesday April 22, 2009

Soccer Betting Analysis:

Chelsea FC -240: Chelsea are hot favourites to win at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. They have home patch edge and they have been simply remarkable in front of their beloved fans ever since Gus Hiddink took over the realm. They are undefeated in their last six home matches 5-1-0. Recently, they won in FA Cup and Champions League action against stiff opposition. They beat Liverpool FC soundly at Anfield stadium before sealing the deal in thrilling fashion at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of their tie to go the Champions League semis. Yes, it is a charmed life for Chelsea right now.

Everton FC +800: Everton are overwhelmingly underestimated in this match at +800. For a sixth ranked Premier League side and now FA Cup finalists, it would appear to fly in the face of all their achievements. Or does it? At home, Everton have been solid. On the road, not so much this season. In their last six matches on the away, they are 0-4-2.

Soccer Betting Verdict: Together with Everton’s road ailments and Chelsea’s home record, the sum total points to a home win. The betting trend favours Chelsea at home. They are on a hot streak and the odds are just a confirmation of that strength at home more than they reflect poorly on Everton as whole. I expect the Blues will take the convincing victory in this match. They will want to send a message that they are very much still in the race to Manchester United and Liverpool, and they will want to serve notice of their FA Cup intentions to Everton.

Soccer Free Picks:  Chelsea FC -240 | Over 2.5 goals -105