Frankfurt v Chelsea Betting Tips: Blues to grind out tough away win?
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English sides haven’t had much joy inEurope this week. Now it’s Chelsea’s turn as they visit surprise packageEintracht Frankfurt for the first-leg of their Europa League semi-final.
The Blueshave brushed aside all in their path in Europe this season. Can they continuetheir march towards a second final of the season under Maurizio Sarri? We’vepreviewed the clash in our Europa LeagueBetting Tips.
Match Odds
Chelsea’s domestic form isn’t anything to shout about. But they’re a different beast in Europe. Our traders have them down at 29/20 for a 12th win in 13 matches in this season’s Europa League.
Frankfurt areno mugs at home, though. The Bundesliga underdogs have lost just one of theirlast 11 fixtures at the Commerzbank-Arena and are 15/8 to take the win.
Alternatively, the Draw is available at 9/4, while the Blues are 15/2 for a fourth 1-0 away victory in this season’s competition.
Talking Tactics
Sarri hasdecisions to make after Antonio Rudiger and Willian both picked up injuriesagainst Manchester United. AndreasChristensen should come in for the former, with Pedro set to replace the latter.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek could also be handed another start inmidfield alongside Jorginho and N’Golo Kante. Europa League specialist Olivier Giroud will return to lead theline to the benefit of Eden Hazard,who’ll play off him.
It’s a case of one in, one out for Frankfurt boss Adi Hutter, who welcomes back Evan Ndicka at centre-half but loses Ante Rebic going forward. Sebastien Haller is also still missing which reduces the host’s goal threat.
Goncalo Paciencia will partner 26-goal man Luka Jovic up-front with Mijat Gacinovic playing in the hole. Ex-Man City man Gelson Fernandes is the midfield anchor in a dynamic 3-4-1-2 formation.
Goalscorer Odds
Giroud hasn’t been flavour of the month at Chelsea. But his Europa League record speaks for itself. The Frenchman has 10 goals in this season’s competition. He’s 12/5 Anytime or 9/1 to Score 2 or More.
Hazard is the obvious alternative at 13/8 Anytime and 4/1 to Score First. Pedro is also good for a goal when cutting in from the flanks. He’s a 12/5 chance. Willian is 9/2 but is not guaranteed to feature.
Frankfurt will look towards the aforementioned Jovic to get them on the scoresheet. He’s 23/20 Anytime or 3/1 to Score First for the fifth time in this season’s Europa League.
Midfielder Filip Kostic should also provide a threat cutting in off the left. We go 3/1 about him netting his 10th goal of the season in all competitions.
Match Info:
Where: Commerzbank-Arena
When: 8:00pm, Thursday 2nd May.
How to Watch: BT Sport 3.
All Odds and Markets arecorrect as of the date of publishing.
