Five reasons to bet on Chelsea winning the Champions League
The Premier League title is out of Chelsea’s reach, but their form under new boss Thomas Tuchel means they are definitely worth backing in the Champions League market despite the quality of the opposition.
When it comes to Champions League betting, the odds on Chelsea have narrowed somewhat. But there is still value to be had – and some very good reasons why the Blues should be regarded as genuine contenders to lift the trophy.
1. Advantage against Atletico
The first reason is that Chelsea already have one foot in the quarter-finals after an excellent first-leg win away to Atletico Madrid.
Olivier Giroud’s stunning overhead kick gave Tuchel’s side a deserved advantage going into the second leg, when they really ought to finish the job.
Avoid a slip-up in that return leg and Chelsea will be in the last eight, where no one will want to face them given their results under Tuchel.
2. Improved defence
That improvement under the new manager has in no small part been down to the tightening up of the defence.
Chelsea were often vulnerable at the back during ex-boss Frank Lampard’s time in the job but they have fared much better under his replacement, whose decision to change the formation and switch to a back three has proved to be a masterstroke.
Cesar Azpilicueta is perfect for the right-sided centre-back role, while Antonio Rudiger has done well on the other side, Frozen out by Lampard and seemingly on borrowed time at the club, Rudiger has been given a new lease of life since being recalled to the team by his fellow German.
And in the middle of that defence, Chelsea fans will have been heartened by the way Andreas Christensen has more than compensated for the loss of Thiago Silva.
Veteran Brazil star Silva was instrumental in improving the defence and his injury absence did not bode well. But Christensen, who has had to bide his time for a run in the side, has taken his chance with both hands and really looks the part.
A solid defence is the key to competing in Europe and Chelsea look organised and tough to beat. That has to increase their chances of regaining the crown they famously won in 2012.
Chelsea have been keeping clean sheets for fun under the new manager and Atletico caused them very few problems. Any side in Europe is likely to find that rock solid defence a very tough nut to crack indeed.
3. Midfield options
Tuchel is also blessed with great options in midfield, where his emphasis on playing with two defensive players – the so-called ‘double six’ role – has contributed to Chelsea’s upturn.
N’Golo Kante has looked more like his old self in recent weeks, while Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic are also seasoned players in that role – and of course there’s the exciting youngster Billy Gilmour.
As an attacking midfielder, few English players have made an impact to match that of Mason Mount, who continues to go from strength to strength.
And with the likes of Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech finding their feet at the club, there’s no doubt that Chelsea have genuine top-class players to choose from.
4. Big-game experience
Another factor in Chelsea’s favour is the significant amount of top-level experience their players have. Yes there are some youngsters, but even the likes of Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Reece James have played for their country and been playing at the top level of the English game.
Silva obviously has vast experience, as does the ever-reliable Azpilicueta, while Chelsea boast two World Cup winners in Kante and Giroud, with Jorginho and Kovacic also having huge experience for club and country.
5. Tuchel’s pedigree
It’s not just players with experience that Chelsea have. In Tuchel they have a manager who is regarded as one of the best in the business and who has managed big clubs in Paris St-German and Borussia Dortmund.
Chelsea wanted a top-class manager to take them to the next level and clearly have one in Tuchel, who has already guided them back into the top four since inheriting a side that was struggling under Lampard.
Plus, don’t forget that Chelsea only had an interim boss in Roberto Di Matteo when they last became Champions League winners by beating Bayern Munich on penalties. If Robbie can do it, so can Tuchel.
