Champions League
2010-03-16 - Chelsea vs Inter Milan
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Analysis:After spending three years with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho returns as his Inter Milan side try and secure a spot into the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Mourinho insisted that he will not have any personal feelings and emotions when he returns back as he tries to get the better of Carlo An celotti the former A.C Milan coach.
As it stands now Mourinho has his side carrying a 2-1 lead from the first leg when the Italian side went ahead early on through Diego Milito, but Salomon Kalou grabbed a vital away goal for Chelsea
before Esteban Cambiasso put the home side in front once more.
Since that match Chelsea have managed two wins and a defeat. After losing to Manchester City 4-2, the Blues came back to win both their matches. They beat West Ham 4-1 which will give them the vital confidence they need ahead of this clash.
Inter, meanwhile have dropped off the pace in Serie A and are now leading Inter Milan b y just a point. They were beaten by Catania 3-1 last Friday but they know that a draw is good en ough to bring them into the last 8.
As for the team news, due to injuries to Petr Cech and regular fill-in Hilario, Ross Turnbull will start in goal. Turnbull, formerly of Middlesbrough, made his first ever appearance in the league last weekend so Inter will definitely will want to test him here.
Florent Malouda is expected to start in a more attacking role after his superb performances against West Ham last week. Meanwhile Yuri Zhirkov could come in at full-back having played the last 10 minutes at the weekend. We will not see Ashley Cole as he is still sidelined with a broken ankle. Paulo Ferreira will start as he has deputies in recent matches. Deco could start this match after being an unused substitute against West Ham.
Meanwhile, Ricardo Carvalho has not played because of a hamstring injury since the Manchester City defeat, so Alex is set to continue alongside captain John Terry in the central defence. Jose Bosingwa is out until the end of the season with a long-term knee problem while Michael Essien is also out as he has not played since January.
Mourinho could stick to the same side that won the first leg encounter. But Thiago Motta is rated as doubtful as he had a thigh problem since the start of the month. Christian Chivu is out with a fractured skull and will not be back for this match. Also striker Mario Balotelli has not travelled with the side after he had a bust up with Mourinho.
For the record, Inter have been beaten in the Champions League first knockout round in the last two seasons to English sides.
They went down by an aggregate 2-0 scoreline to Manchester United last term, losing 3-0 to Liverpool the year before.
Take Chelsea to win here and give the 1 ball away.
Cheers and good luck,
Cruiser
The Pick :
Chelsea 2-0
BEST BETTING TIP :
Take Chelsea to win this match.
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take Chelsea and give the 1 ball away.
