Chelsea v Sunderland Tip

Surely only the most optimistic Chelsea fan, with the most rose-tinted of glasses, could really snap up best odds of 4/9 (WilliamHill) on a home win in this one with any real sense that they were getting value.

I have nothing against the Blues, but the odds simply seem to ignore everything that’s been happening in the last few weeks. Andre Villas-Boas has seen his side stumble and falter its way out of the title race, while Sunderland are a side transformed under Martin O’Neill.

The Black Cats have won five and drawn one of seven matches since ‘the saviour’ came to the helm. They have already climbed into the top half of the division, and even dispatched league leaders Man City when they came to the Stadium of Light. Against a Chelsea team under real pressure, I recommend Sunderland in the ‘draw no bet’ market at best odds of 11/2 with Sportingbet. Those are great odds on a team very much in the winning habit, especially when we get our money back if the match ends level.

And there is previous. The Mackems emerged from Stamford Bridge last season with an astonishing 3-0 victory in what was Chelsea’s biggest home defeat for nearly a decade. Currently, the hosts have claimed just four triumphs in their last nine on their own patch in all competitions. The Blues just can’t keep visitors at bay; one clean sheet in 12 home league games is poor. With Didier Drogba now off in Africa and Flourent Malouda doubtful, another upset could be on the cards here at long odds.