Chelsea v Valencia
Football: European Champions League
Tuesday 6 December 2011 - Kick Off 7:45pm
This game is live on TV

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Chelsea

Chelsea manager, Andre Villa-Boas, has been under immense pressure of late, but the valve was released slightly courtesy of their 0-3 win at Newcastle United on Saturday. However, the manager's seat will still be feeling warm, especially if they fail to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League.

A 2-1 defeat at Bayer Leverkusen on Match Day 5 has left the Blues in a precarious position. They currently sit ahead of Valencia courtesy of their 1-1 draw out in Spain, but will go out of the competition if this game finishes with a defeat or a scoring draw. That will leave Chelsea in the Europa League, something that is not likely to be tolerated by Roman Abramhovic.

The win at Newcastle means Chelsea have won 3 and lost 3 of their last 6 games in all competitions and are finding it hard to get any sort of consistency in their play. A particular concern for the fans will be the form at Stamford Bridge where the Blues have lost 3 of their last 4 games after winning 6 of their opening 7 games in front of their own fans. Chelsea have kept just 2 clean sheets in their last 7 home games.

Michael Essien is the only absentee in the squad, although both Alex and Nicolas Anelka handed in transfer requests at the weekend and may not be involved.

Valencia

Valencia are moving up the La Liga table although it is unlikely that they will trouble either Real Madrid or Barcelona when it comes to winning the title. They have a tough team, but one that has been shorn over the Summer, and now face a big task to qualify for the last 16.

The team thrashed Genk 7-0 at home on Match Day 5 to move level on points with Chelsea, although they currently sit behind the English club due to the 1-1 draw in Spain. However, Valencia know they can earn a score draw here to qualify for the last 16, although they will need to improve on an away record that has seen them draw 0-0 at Genk and lose 2-1 at Bayer Leverkusen.

Valencia can not have come into this contest in better form, having won 7 of their last 8 games in all competitions with the only exception being a 2-3 home loss to Real Madrid. They have won their last 3 away games since losing to Bayer Leverkusen and have scored in 5 straight away games.

Victor Ruiz, Ricardo Costa and Banega are all going to be ruled out.

Head to Head

These two teams have met twice at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons, drawing both games at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are unbeaten in 5 competitive games against Valencia.

Prediction

With all the recent problems Chelsea have been having, I think they look a little short in the market to win this game, although they do have an edge in the fact that Valencia will need to push men forward at some stage as they need to score at least 1 goal in this game.

And Valencia really shouldn't have too much to fear in doing that considering Chelsea's recent defensive record. The Blues have been struggling to keep clean sheets at Stamford Bridge, with Arsenal, Liverpool (twice), Swansea and Norwich City all scoring here.

The Spaniards themselves have scored in 5 consecutive away games and I can see this one being quite a lively affair, particularly if Valencia get their noses in front.

Even if Chelsea score first, it is unlikely they will sit back and protect that lead considering one goal would knock them out and their defensive problems they have been having.

It all points to some goals being scored, and I am going to back 'Both Teams to Score' at the same price as the Chelsea win.

The Statistics :

The Pick :

Chelsea 2-1 Valencia

FIXED ODDS BETTING :

I'll back Both Teams to Score @ 1.80 (BetFred)