29th Sep 2014 | Champions League
Jose Homecoming Fraught With Danger
Sporting are back in the big time after a resurgent 2013-14. They also boast a long unbeaten home record in European competition.
Chelsea may be hot favourites as they head to Lisbon on Tuesday night but they face hosts unbeaten in 16 home European matches (W13 D3). That’s enough to make best odds of 11/4 (WilliamHill) on Sporting look very appealing in the ‘draw-no-bet’ market.
The Portuguese have actually won their last three home matches against English opponents without conceding a goal so history will be on their side. The Londoners may be imperious in the Premier League but doubts over Diego Costa’s fitness, and his capacity to start midweek games after weekend ones, persist. Without him, they lack a talisman.
Sporting may have only drawn 1-1 in their Group G opener against Maribor but after a competition-high 27 attempts on goal, we should not question their attacking threat.
With our money back if the match ends level, the side who finished above Porto in the Primeira Liga last season look worth backing at this price.
Odds correct at time of publishing: 19:16 29th Sep, 2014 but subject to change
