English FA CUP
2012-04-15 - Tottenham vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Addicted
Football : English : FA Cup
Sunday, April 15th, 2012, 6:00PM GMT
PREVIEW
Big huge London derby between Tottenham and Chelsea to decide who gets to represent the South in the FA Cup finals, as the opponent will be either Liverpool or Everton.
Both London clubs have this as their only chance for a trophy. (Chelsea are still in the CL but they would have to beat Barcelona over 2 legs and then either Bayern Munich or Real Madrid, so I'm not expecting anything there)
There is also a very real chance both these teams, that had looked comfortably set to qualify for the Champions League next year, may now miss out as Newcastle have fought their way into a great position to take 4th behind Arsenal.
Chelsea and Tottenham have played each other in 2 draws this season, the last of which was a 0-0 snore-fest at Stamford Bridge. Since sacking AVB, this Chelsea side have found some fight though, and their recent run of 4 straight wins in all competitions showed us a more inspired Chelsea that refused to lie down.
Benfica were beaten 1-0 and 2-1 and there were also 2-1 and 4-2 wins against Wigan and Aston Villa, respectively. Fulham were the last side Chelsea played and that ended 1-1 at the Cottage after Lampards penalty opener was cancelled out late on.
Tottenham don't seem to have any belief. Since that day at the Emirates they have not looked like themselves, and the results have shown they are far from a reliable side at the moment. There has been just 1 win in the league for Spurs since getting their backsides handed to them by Arsenal, which was a 3-1 win over Swansea, who aren't in great form at all (they just got whooped by relegation strugglers QPR).
Just this past Monday, Tottenham entertained Norwich, and were outplayed in a game they did well to lose just 2-1. City could easily have had double the number of goals, while Spurs goal came seconds after Norwich were denied a stonewall penalty that they were still complaining about. That kind of performance will see them thrashed by Chelsea.
I believe Chelsea will progress in this competition, because as glamorous as that tie against Barcelona is, the Blues know this is their chance at silverware. Di Matteo has done a great job since stepping in as manager, and will want something to show for his short spell with the Blues. It may even help his chances at getting the gig full-time, so I'm sure he will set his side out to play like this is the finals.
BETTING VERDICT
I will bypass the outcome, and go with one Frank Lampard to get on the scoresheet here again. The prices of 4.00 at some bookies are great value and worth taking.
The Pick :
Chelsea to win
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Frank Lampard to score at any time @ 4.00 (PaddyPower)
