Premier League Betting - Chelsea vs. Liverpool

Liverpool were frustrated by AC Fiorentina in mid-week Champions League group action, suffering their first group stage loss since October 2007 when they lost 2:1 to Besiktas. The 2:0 loss was even more surprising as it came on the heels of an impressive 6:1 home victory against Hull City at the weekend. Nothing doing. They have to set aside any disappointment brought on from that performance because they have their first big challenge of the season coming up – a battle against title rivals Chelsea FC.

Chelsea FC suffered a brain cramp against Wigan Athletic at the weekend when they slipped to a 3:1 defeat – their first loss in what was up to that point a 100% season. Chelsea FC bounced back mid-week when they beat APOEL Nicosia 1:0 on the away in their second Champions League group match on the season. But the performance was a far cry from their best. So with domestic duty back on, Chelsea will be looking to return to winning form and there is no better statement that all is right in Blues-land than beating Liverpool convincingly at Stamford Bridge.

Soccer Betting Line :

Chelsea -½ +115 +115 2½ O +110 U -130 Draw +225
Liverpool +½ -135 +240 2½ O +110 U -130 Draw +225

Match Time: 11:00 A.M. Eastern Time Sunday October 3, 2009

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Soccer Betting Verdict: Both Chelsea and Liverpool are worldclass outfits and there is no doubt that each will bounce back from their respective disappointments of last week and even give their best performance yet.

As always is the case between these two sides, this match is going to be a tough call. Chelsea looked sublime until their disappointing loss to Wigan and sub-par performance against APOEL. Whereas Liverpool after getting back on track in Premier League go and ruin it with a shocking loss to Fiorentina.

We are yet to see whether Liverpool’s loss will have far-reaching consequences but it hasn’t stopped their detractors from dismissing their chances in all competitions – rather hasty don’t you think. I mean it is only their first loss in Champions League group action since forever! Context people!

And frankly, Chelsea’s loss to Wigan can be chalked to overconfidence. I mean they were starting to act as if they had it all won already and the season barely a month old. A little comeback to earth shouldn’t hurt them.

So what is a soccer bettor to make of all this. The market is leaning towards the home win, tipping Chelsea at +115 to win outright. But I would argue caution here as Chelsea built their impressive start on the season largely on the backs of lightweight sides. The only serious team they faced was Tottenham and though they passed the test, soccer bettors shouldn’t read into that result just yet. Liverpool is going to be a whole different ball game.

Liverpool have already two losses this season – the same amount they totted up in the whole of last year – but there is a clear positive trend in their domestic form lately. Of course, that hasn’t stopped their detractors from looking to those losses as further cause to dismiss Liverpool as the serious threat they really are. Fortunately, Rafa Benitez and his outfit are unconcerned. They are not intimidated by Chelsea and they are up for the task at Stamford Bridge. At +240, Liverpool’s odds are simply too good to ignore and it is too early to be dismissing them as well.

Soccer Free Picks: Liverpool at +240 | Over 2.5 +110