Liverpool vs Chelsea Odds - Blues take thrilling encounter with Reds
Soccer betting players always look forward to a match featuring two of the top four clubs in England, and Sunday’s clash with Liverpool and Chelsea should be a barnburner. They’re very familiar with each other, as they met four times last season. The final match featured eight goals, and while this won’t be that kind of a shootout, there should still be goals aplenty.
Liverpool vs Chelsea Odds: Chelsea +113; Liverpool +282; Draw +245
- WHAT: Soccer betting
- WHEN: Sunday, October 4, 11:00 AM ET
- WHERE: Stamford Bridge, London
- KEY STAT: Each has a 3-4-3 record in their last 10 meetings, with 13 goals apiece
- PICK: Chelsea
Liverpool vs Chelsea odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
Anytime two of the “Big Four” clash, it’s a special occasion. Chelsea sit tied atop the table with Manchester United, while Liverpool is only three points back. These two have been even as they come over their last 10 meetings: each has won three and drawn four, scoring 13 goals apiece.
Liverpool vs Chelsea odds maker breakdown: Offense
Liverpool leads the Premiership in goals scored, and Fernando Torres’ eight paces all players. His right-hand man is captain Steven Gerrard, who is second in England with four assists. This is one of the most lethal duos in all of Europe, but the worry is, if you can shut down Torres and Gerrard, you’ve got Liverpool in the bag. Didier Drogba has notched six of Chelsea’s 17 goals, while Michael Ballack has three goals from midfield. Drogba also has added three assists, while Frank Lampard is tied with Gerrard on four assists. Chelsea has a lot more scoring options than Liverpool, but Lampard is off to a slow start, scoring-wise, and Nicolas Anelka is in a bit of a slump, although he did score in the midweek Champions League game. Betting Edge: Draw
Liverpool vs Chelsea odds maker breakdown: Defense
Liverpool’s sportsbook odds hinge on their ability to keep clean sheets, but Jamie Carragher hasn’t been the defensive rock the team needs. Glen Johnson and Emiliano Isuna are more of an attacking fullback, which leaves their flanks exposed. Javier Mascherano has a virus and hamstring injury, and his presence in front of the back four was missed in a 2-0 loss at Fiorentina in the Champions League. Chelsea has allowed only six goals in seven matches, but they looked shaky in a 3-1 loss at Wigan last week, and not much better in a 1-0 win over Apoel Nicosia in midweek. What’s worse is that keeper Petr Cech will miss this match due to a controversial red card he was given at Wigan, which means Hilario should get the call this weekend. Betting Edge: Chelsea
Liverpool vs Chelsea odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Mascherano (virus/hamstring) missed the Fiorentina match so he could be ready on Sunday, but there’s a slight doubt over the Argentinean midfielder who shields the Liverpool defense. Jon Obi Mikel (ankle) and Ballack (calf) are both very doubtful for this match, which weakens Chelsea’s midfield. Betting Edge: Liverpool
Liverpool vs Chelsea odds maker breakdown: Totals
Both of last year’s meetings went over the posted total, but seven of their last 10 have gone under. Last year’s 4-4 duel at Stamford Bridge was one of the highlights of the Champions League. With Liverpool’s defense struggling and Chelsea’s missing No.1 keeper, look for lots of goals this week while you’re betting online. Betting Edge: OVER 2.5
Liverpool vs Chelsea betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Reds aren’t afraid to go into the Bridge, as they’ve won one and drawn two of their last five trips there. But Liverpool’s defense has looked shaky, and they should give Drogba, Lampard and company plenty of chances. Gerrard and Torres will keep the Reds in it, but Chelsea’s defense, led by captain John Terry, will do just enough to give the Blues a one-goal win and three important points. TODD’S PICK: Chelsea +113
For more sports betting tips and picks on everything from club to international soccer, visit the sportsbook at BetOnline.com. Todd Shale contributes soccer analysis to BetOnline.com.
