Goals in both halves as Chelsea can swat aside the Bees in FA Cup

Backing an odds-on winner is better than a 16/1 loser and this is the statement that is best remembered when Chelsea head to Brentford in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

This is the first time in over 60 years that the west London neighbours will meet and Chelsea are 3/10 to make their gulf in quality count.

With Eden Hazard banned, David Luiz injured and John Obi Mikel at the African Cup of Nations, Rafa Benitez has a weakened squad to pick from, while he may also be tempted to rest the likes of Juan Mata.

John Terry is back though and his more physical style may be of good use in thwarting Brentford top scorer Clayton Donaldson, who has already scored 19 goals this season in all competitions.

If he continues to play to this standard and Brentford make home advantage count, 9/1 may not be the worst price for a home win, while the draw that would earn the Bees a lucrative replay at Stamford Bridge can be backed at 4/1.

However, these two results are unlikely and preference from a betting perspective lie in the goals markets.

Brentford have conceded at least twice in three of their last five fixtures and Chelsea are 1/3 to score over 1.5 goals here.

The big tempting goal bet is the 1/2 that at least one goal is netted in each half at Griffin Park.

In Chelsea’s last 16 games in which at least two goals have been scored, this bet would have been successful, dating back to the 1-1 draw with Swansea in November.

Meanwhile, goals have been scored in both halves of Brentford’s last five games.

Over 2.5 goals is another that is hard to oppose at 8/15, while for those wanting something not odds-on, the 6/4 that Chelsea win a game where at least four goals are scored may be among the best offerings.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date