>
>
Sunday 8th January will see two recent FA Cup winners battle it out in a third round tie at Stamford Bridge, which will be a re-run of the 2010 final, writes Richard Norton.
Chelsea, FA Cup winners in 2009 and 2010, will take on Portsmouth who were victorious in 2008.
Chelsea have had mixed fortunes so far this season and are currently sat in 4th position in the Premier League, but have already lost 5 of their 20 games. On top of this, Chelsea have lost 3 of their last 6 home games and Villas-Boas will want to put this right on Sunday.
Chelsea’s top scorer this season is not £50m signing Fernando Torres or the lethal Didier Drogba, but recalled loanee Daniel Sturridge with 10 goals. It remains to be seen whether Sturridge will be available due to injury and the Blues will also be without Drogba and Kalou, who are off to the African Cup of Nations.
Chelsea may look to give new signing Romelu Lukaku a game, who is still looking for his first goal for the club. Chelsea’s defence has been uncharacteristically liable to conceding at Stamford Bridge and they have already let 16 goals past them in 10 home league games.
Portsmouth have been blighted by financial turmoil in recent seasons, with numerous takeovers, incoming and outgoing players but have managed to stop themselves falling any lower than the Championship. This season, they have managed to build an impressive home league record, but have struggled away from Fratton Park, with just one away win and 8 goals in 12 league attempts.
Pompey’s top scorers this season are David Norris and Luke Varney with 5 goals-a-piece.
Pompey struggled in the League Cup first round this season, falling to League Two opposition Barnet, 1-0 at Fratton Park. Chelsea reached the quarter-final stage this season, before being dispatched 2-0 at home by Liverpool. Chelsea have a good recent history in this competition and I’m sure they will want to continue this and I expect the Chelsea Manager to name a strong side.
Match Winner
With Chelsea seemingly falling further behind in the Premiership title race and out of the League Cup, many may feel that the FA Cup could be their best chance of success this season, as well as still being involved in the Champions League. Taking this into account, Chelsea have been made firm favourites for this encounter and the best odds to be found for a Chelsea win are 1.20 (1/5) at BetFred.
In the unlikely event of a slip-up by Chelsea, a draw is best priced at 7.50 (13/2) with Victor Chandler, or a Portsmouth victory at 17.00 (16/1) also with Victor Chandler.
First Goalscorer
Chelsea may be without certain attacking options and I envisage they will look to play Torres (5.00 (4/1), Bet365) and Lukaku (6.50 (11/2), Bet365). However, should top scorer Daniel Sturridge be fit, I imagine he will start and bookies have placed him favourite to break the deadlock at 4.50 (7/2) with Bet365. Frank Lampard is the second top goalscorer for Chelsea and is 5.50 (9/2) with Bet365.
Portsmouth’s top scorer’s Luke Varney and David Norris are both 21.00 (20/1) with Bet365, whilst Dave Kitson has been priced as the most likely Pompey player to open the scoring at 17.00 (16/1).
Recommended Bets
First Goalscorer: Frank Lampard, 5.50 (9/2) @ Bet365
Correct Score: Chelsea 3-1, 11.00 (10/1) @ Ladbrokes
