Chelsea v Reading: Blues set for dominant home triumph

Chelsea take on Reading in the Premier League’s sole midweek fixture, with the European champions heavily favoured to triumph at 1/4.

The Blues will see the fixture as a chance to gain a significant early advantage on their title rivals, and would go six points clear of Manchester United with victory.

Newly-promoted Reading meanwhile, are a massive 10/1 to take all three points from Stamford Bridge, a feat they have never previously achieved.

However, the Royals did manage a draw away to Chelsea after being promoted to the Premier League previously, and they are 5/1 to claim a point here too.

A draw was the result of Reading’s first game back in the top flight, but recent history would suggest that a comfortable Chelsea win looks the more likely outcome here.

This notion stems from the Blues’ 100 per cent home record against promoted sides last term, of which the lowest margin they triumphed by was two goals.

Therefore, Chelsea appeal at 8/11 to win a match featuring three or more goals, and at 9/4 to victor with both teams scoring, as they did against each promoted outfit last term.

The 12/5 about the home team scoring four or more times may also pay dividends, considering the 13 strikes they registered at Stamford Bridge against promoted teams last season.

Also, bearing in mind the previous statistics, brave punters may be willing to invest in Chelsea in handicap markets on this match.

It is 8/11 the Blues win giving up a goal head-start, 15/8 they do so starting on -2 goals, and a big 5/1 about Chelsea overcoming a three-goal handicap.

Player markets should also interest punters in this game, with numerous tempting options available within both team’s ranks.

Eden Hazard impressed massively on his full league debut on Sunday, and he is 13/2 to follow up his two assists at Wigan with the opener against Reading.

Fernando Torres is 3/1 favourite to break the deadlock meanwhile, and the Spaniard certainly looked lively at the DW Stadium, and in truth was unlucky not to score.

For those who do fancy Reading to take the lead at Stamford Bridge, former Fulham striker Pavel Pogrebnyak looks the most appealing option, as a big 12/1 shot.

His teammate Adam Le Fondre scored the first goal of Reading’s new Premier League campaign meanwhile, and the Royals penalty taker is 14//1 to notch first.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.