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Chelsea will look to make it two wins from two in the Champions League this season when they travel to Spain for their Group E encounter with Valencia on Wednesday.
Having breezed past Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in their first game, the Blues will be keen to maintain their 100% record and stake an early claim for top spot at the expense of a Valencia side reeling from a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Sevilla last weekend.
Unai Emery’ side have begun the new La Liga season well, picking up a draw against Barcelona and sit just two points behind early pace setters Real Betis before tasting defeat for the first time this season at the weekend.
The main talking point for Chelsea revolves around whether experienced midfielder Frank Lampard will be selected to start having been relegated to the bench for the Blues last two games.
Villas-Boas had previously hinted the England international would return to the starting line up having not featured against Swansea, however he may opt for the midfield trio of Ramires, Raul Meireles and Jon-Obi Mikel to play behind a three pronged attack.
Juan Mata faces an emotional return to his former club just months after departing for Chelsea, with Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas likely to throw the Spanish international in at the deep end by starting him behind Fernando Torres and Daniel Sturridge, who is expected to start ahead of Didier Drogba, who marked his return to action with a goal against Swansea on Saturday.
Los Che will be hoping home advantage at the intimidating Mestalla will work in their favour as they look to claim victory over Chelsea for the first time in four attempts, but the omens aren’t good for the home side.
Chelsea have an impeccable record at the Mestalla, claiming two wins in the two games they have played at Valencia’s home ground, winning there the quarter final stage in 2007 and in the group stages in the 2007/08 tournament.
midfielder David Albelda is unavailable for Valencia after bruising his back against Valencia having missed out against Sevilla, while Mehmet Topal is also sidelined after tearing a shoulder muscle in his side’s 0-0 draw with Genk in their opening Champions League game two weeks ago.
Chelsea will have to be mindful of in-form striker Roberto Soldado, who has found the net five times in five La Liga games already, and is expected to start up front on his own.
Match Winner
Chelsea are favourites for this game, but after a chastening night for both Manchester clubs last night in European football’s leading club competition, it could be fool hardy to back the Blues to pick up all three points away from home against a strong side.
VC Bet have Villas-Boas’ side as 2.60 (8/5) favourites for the tie, while Bet365 are offering a home win at odds of 2.75 (9/4).
A draw is seemingly the most likely result, and BetFred are offering 3.00 (2/1) on that result, something well worth considering.
First Goalscorer
Fernando Torres looks to have finally found his goal scoring boots for Chelsea and has found the net twice in his last two games, and the Spaniard would relish the chance to show what he can do on home soil having fallen from grace with the national side.
William Hill have the former Liverpool forward down as 6.50 (11/2) favourite to open the scoring, while Valencia talisman Roberto Soldado is 7.00 (6/1) with Coral to beat him to the punch.
Frank Lampard has built his career on popping up in the right place at the right time in front of goal, and if he is selected will no doubt be a goal threat. The 33-year-old is 11.00 (10/1) with Paddy Power and is well worth a look. As is returning hero Juan Mata at 10.00 (9/1) with BlueSQ.
Recommended Bets
Correct Score, Chelsea 1-0: 8.00 (7/1) @ Ladbrokes
Anytime Goal scorer, Fernando Torres: 2.88 (15/8) @ BoyleSports
