Odds comparisons show Chelsea are still in a strong position for top-four finish

Frank Lampard did not get the striker he wanted – but his Chelsea side remain overwhelming favourites to secure a top-four finish and a place in next season’s Champions League.

Chelsea have faltered at times this season but the extent to which oddsmakers fancy them to beat Manchester United and Tottenham in their next two matches highlights that they are still in a strong position.

Knowing the best odds and the best games always helps. You can check these odds comparison highlights to help you make the best bets. And there’s no doubt that the smart money is still on Chelsea despite their vulnerabilities.

This is reflected in the fact that they are strong betting favourites against both United and Tottenham, who are significant underdogs ahead of their respective trips to Stamford Bridge.

United struggling

United visit on 17 February, while Chelsea’s London rivals Tottenham are at the Bridge five days later in what is sure to be a feisty derby clash.

In many ways Chelsea’s season has been saved by the problems their rivals are having.

Boss Lampard wanted a striker in January and warned that failing to make a signing could affect his side’s chances of securing that all-important top-four finish.

But while Chelsea’s situation is not ideal, United’s is surely even worse.

Chelsea have been reliant on Tammy Abraham but he has delivered goals, while Michy Batshuayi has also found the net regularly when called upon and Olivier Giroud remains an option having stayed at the club in light of their failure to sign another forward.

United, on the other hand, are without the injured Marcus Rashford and boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was so desperate for attacking options he signed former Watford striker Odion Ighalo on loan from Chinese club Shanghai Greeland Shenhua.

That deal raised eyebrows and showed just how badly United are struggling – and how far the former champions have fallen.

Tottenham all at sea

Then there’s Spurs. While Chelsea have looked poor defensively at times this season, Tottenham have been even worse.

Spurs’ defensive performances – for example in their recent defeat at Norwich – have been woeful.

Even seasoned performers like Jan Vertonghen have struggled – so much so that Vertonghen was substituted in the FA Cup game against Southampton.

So it’s easy to see why Chelsea are favourites against both Spurs and United, whose problems run even deeper.

There is also the challenge posed by this season’s surprise packages, Sheffield United and Wolves. Whether those teams can last the course remains to be seen, but Chelsea definitely look the safest bet for a Champions League place.