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Chelsea host Genk tomorrow evening in the third round of Champions League fixtures of the season.
Andre Villas-Boas’ men have started to show their best form in recent weeks with three Premier League wins in a row since the defeat to Manchester United last month.
Not only have they produced positive results, but they appear to be increasing their level of performance too.
The Blues were far from convincing against newly promoted duo Norwich and Swansea earlier in the season, but they have got into their stride of late.
The last three games in the league have offered up nine points, 12 goals and some eye-catching individual performances.
Juan Mata in particular – who was signed from Valencia in the summer – has been very impressive, linking up with Fernando Torres superbly at times. He does appear to be an integral part of Chelsea’s team now.
Speaking of Torres, Villas-Boas must decide whether to recall him for tomorrow night’s clash with Genk.
After his sending-off against Swansea last month, Torres was handed a three-match domestic suspension.
However, he is available for European matches, meaning the Chelsea boss must decide whether to bring him back into the mix.
Looking at it, it seems more likely that the Spaniard will have to settle for a place on the bench.
Daniel Sturridge has come in and done extremely well in his absence, scoring three goals in the last two games. He, Mata and Didier Drogba have formed a very productive partnership up front of late too.
In other team news, Ramires is set to miss out because of a knee injury, while Michael Essien continues to be a long-term injury victim.
Overall, Chelsea will be expected to get the three points in this one. They are currently top of Group E in the Champions League, while Genk are bottom with only a single point from their opening two games.
Chelsea have also not lost a Champions League group match at Stamford Bridge since 2003.
Match odds
Because of this, Chelsea are overwhelming favourites to win the game at odds of 1.11 (1/9) with Bet365 . For a shock away win you can get odd of around 26.00 (25/1) with most bookies.
The draw is then available at 8.o0 (7/1) with Paddy Power.
Correct score
If a Chelsea win is inevitable, it is worth looking at the amount they may win by. For example, a 3-0 home with is 7.00 (6/1) with Ladbrokes, while a 5-0 win is 13.00 (12/1) with the same bookie.
If you expect it to be close than this, a 2-0 Chelsea win is 7.00 (6/1) with SkyBet. Then, for Chelsea to draw a blank, you can get 0-0 at odds of 29.00 (28/1) with Betfair.
First goalscorer
As already mentioned, the team selection is somewhat up in the air with regards to Chelsea’s forward line. However, Daniel Sturridge, Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres are all around 4.00 (3/1) with Sporting Bet to grab the first goal.
Beyond these three, Juan Mata – who has been brilliant since arriving from Valencia – can be backed at 7.00 (6/1) with BetFred.
For a real outsider, you can back John Terry at 21.00 (20/1) or Ashley Cole at 34.00 (33/1)
Recommended bets
Chelsea to win 2-0 @ 7.00 (6/1)
Juan Mata to score the first goal @ 7.00 (6/1)
