Van Basten Early Chelsea Favourite

At a club often lampooned for having no history, it seems owner Roman Abramovich expects his side to make up for lost time every season. Despite achieving the club’s first domestic double, Carlo Ancelotti was dismissed after a year without trophies.

Attention now turns to the Italian’s replacement and Guus Hiddink is a name that frequently appears. A former caretaker manager at Chelsea, the Dutchman is known to be close friend and confidant of Abramovich. Currently contracted as Turkey’s coach, he is unlikely to be available until June 3rd at the earliest. A man who has a tradition of honouring his contracts, he is no certainty for the role at 9/2.

Favourite in the betting is Marco Van Basten at 3/1. It is rumoured that Chelsea’s ideal set up would see Van Basten installed as head coach, with Hiddink as director of footballl. With Frank Arnesen also leaving Stamford Bridge, this would be an ideal like for like swap.

Porto manager Andre Villas-Boas is also a name being discussed. Regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Europe, he was a scout at Chelsea during the Jose Mourinho era. A 5/1 chance in the betting, Abramovich will need to dig into his pocket to fund the move as Porto reportedly have a £13million buy-out clause in the manager’s contract.

Whenever Chelsea is discussed the spectre of the ‘Special One’ looms large. A story flagged up by Betting Bias in February, it seems the return of Jose Mourinho is not out of the question. Now only a 10/1 chance, it would be a remarkable turnaround if Abramovich re-hired the man he paid so much to leave.