Chelsea vs Blackpool – free-scoring hosts could maul minnows
Published:Chelsea welcome Blackpool to Stamford Bridge on Sunday (kick-off 4.00pm) looking to build on their perfect start to the season.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men have fired 17 goals from the first four fixtures of their title defence, and they are hugely convincing 1/12 favourites to beat Blackpool.
Ian Holloway’s side have so far exceeded all expectations in their first Premier League season, and after four matches have found themselves at the giddy heights of fourth place.
When they lost 6-0 to Arsenal last month, however, the Seasiders demonstrated a vulnerability against powerful opposition which Chelsea could also expose.
Chelsea have netted an almighty 40 goals from their last 10 Premier League fixtures, and they are priced at 14/1 to inflict another 6-0 drubbing upon Blackpool.
Worryingly for Blackpool, Chelsea striker Didier Drogba is expected to return to the starting 11, having been rested for their Champions League win over MSK Zilina in midweek.
The Ivorian has 19 goals and nine assists in 2010 – more than any other Premier League player – and he is 7/4 to score first at Stamford Bridge.
Midfielder Frank Lampard, however, is unavailable as he is still recovering from hernia surgery.
Salomon Kalou is pushing for another start, and the Ivorian forward is priced at 7/2 to break the deadlock against the Seasiders.
Blackpool’s slim hopes of avoiding defeat, meanwhile, will depend heavily on goalkeeper Matt Gilks, who has been in terrific form of late.
They’ve won at Wigan and Newcastle, but could Blackpool possibly claim three points against Chelsea? They are 25/1 to win. See the full Chelsea vs Blackpool Match Betting Odds market.
