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Five CL Final Questions For Chelsea...
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With Chelsea missing key players through suspension and possibly injury in the Champions League final, Matt Stanger asks five questions they need to consider...
The Champions League Final Friday Quiz - The Questions
Since there's an English team in the Champions League final, we thought it would be most appropriate to give you a quiz on those that have come before them...
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Everton v Fulham
The Toffees put a terrific shift in against Manchester United last Saturday and should be confident of getting the job done here against a Fulham side who are struggling for goals away from home. Everton have bagged ten goals in their last three home games against the Cottagers and so are worth a punt at 11/4 to score three or more at Goodison.
Betting: Everton to score 3+ at 11/4 (Skybet).
Chelsea v Sunderland
The Blues lost their long unbeaten home record to bitter title rivals Liverpool last weekend but if you think Sunderland are going to repeat the trick here you really need to keep off the crystal meths. Granted the Black Cats are playing OK and they will no doubt still be on a high after last week's thrilling win over Newcastle but if this one isn't a home banker then I'll quit gambling. Salomon Kalou has a decent scoring record at the Bridge and if he starts he looks a fair price at 7/4 to get among the goals.
Betting: Kalou to score anytime at 7/4 (Hills).
Manchester United v Hull
If you'd have told me Hull City would be priced up at anything less than 14/1 in this fixture back in August I'd have purchased a massive stamp saying 'CRAZY PERSON', jabbed you on the forehead with it and sent you on your merry way. However such has been the start the Tigers have made to their first season in the Premier League there will be people having a speculative punt on them turning the Red Devils over here. Not me though. Chelsea showed that Hull are still a league or two below the really big boys and I fancy United to cover the handicap here without much fuss.
Betting: Manchester United (-1) to beat Hull at 4/5 (Bet365).
Middlesbrough v West Ham
Given the fact that I needed Blackburn to turn Middlesbrough over to nail a flamboyant 11/1 four-timer late on Saturday evening it's safe to say that Gareth Southgate and the boys were the subject of some particularly choice expletives from yours truly after grabbing a point at Ewood Park. I couldn't call this one with any degree of confidence but suppose I wouldn't put anyone off backing the draw on Teesside.
Betting: Middlesbrough and West Ham to draw at 23/10 (Paddy Power).
Portsmouth v Wigan
Hand on heart I'm not a massive Tony Adams fan. He was a cracking player but he's far too serious and analytical these days for my liking. In fact, I much preferred him when he was in his Guinness-guzzling, trouser-wetting, garden wall smashing pomp. He's got the gig at Pompey now though and the question is can he get off the mark with three points against Wigan? He's not without hope given the Latics' recent indifferent form but the smart money, and mine, will be on a stalemate at Fratton Park.
Betting: 'No Goalscorer' Portsmouth v Wigan at 9/1 (Paddy Power).
Stoke v Arsenal
The Gunners won't be pleased with their defensive showing in the week but going forward they have clicked into gear these past few weeks and I have a feeling they might just dish out a bit of a spanking here. Stoke's recent form has not been great and Arsenal's back line will feel they have a point to prove to Monsieur Wenger after Spurs so I reckon the odds-against about them winning at the Britannia without conceding is a must bet.
Betting: Arsenal to win to nil against Stoke at 13/10 (Paddy Power).
West Brom v Blackburn
Another tough one to call and there's more chance of Russell Brand fronting Match Of The Day on Saturday night than there is of me having anything significant on this one. Both teams are struggling right now, Blackburn especially so and so it's with a heavy and tentative heart that I tip up a home win at the Hawthorns.
Betting: West Brom to beat Blackburn at 6/4 (Skybet).
Tottenham v Liverpool
Although the tabloids were full of 'Harry Houdini' tributes on Thursday morning after Tottenham's miraculous 4-4 draw with Arsenal, the last time I checked 'Arry was a slightly clichéd football manager who liked a bet and a glass of wine and not a world-renowned escapologist. With this in mind for the life of me I cannot see why Liverpool are better than even money to win at White Hart Lane. The Reds have been super impressive so far this season and top the Premier League on merit while Tottenham, with the possible exception of their last two games, have been a collective bag of sh*te. Whatever way you dress it up it's still top versus bottom this weekend and as bets like this don't come around every day my advice is to get a nice wedge together and bet like men. Or women, if you are that way inclined.
Betting: Liverpool to beat Spurs at 23/20 (VC Bet).
Degsy Bilton
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