[Zozo the Duke]

Middlesbrough – Chelsea

Pick: Chelsea (-1) AH
Odds: 1.84 @ Pointbet
Stake: 5/10

Chelsea played some good football against ManchesterCity and managed to beat them with 3:0.Althought not at their full capacity, Chelsea was almost as good as last season. The addition of Shevchenko in the front line to partner Drogba, will make Chelsea even stronger then last year. Now the opposition defense will not be focused only on one striker (the Mourinho past season’s style) then they will have to manage to defend two world class strikers, with pace on the wings in the names of Robben, Wright-Phillips and Joe Cole and support from the world class attacking midfielders, Ballack and Lampard, Chelsea is having one of the strongest offensive lines in the world.

Boro lost more than good manager with the lost of McLaren. They lost experience, knowledge and stability. Boro will have many troubles with Southgate who does not possess enough quality and knowledge to lead a Premiership team. His lack of experience cost Boro a three pts in previous match against newcomers Reading where Boro lost 2:0 lead and at the end got home without a single point.

Boro lost more than points in previous match, they lost confidence and morale. But, they will for sure try to bonce back on this match, but that will be very hard job. Chelsea style is waiting the right chance for scoring a goal and in the meantime they are putting solid pressure to the opponent’s defense. Boro defense is not good enough to hold the Chelsea pressure. I believe that Chelsea will destroy Boro’s wingbacks and with crosses to Drogba and Shevchenko will score few goals.

Southgate main problem is lack of experience. The managers has to have experience to lead a team in the Premier League, and in my opinion, Southgate do not posses that. Tonight playing against one of the best managers in the world, he will look lost again. Despite Chelsea playing away, I believe they will dominate and this match will be one sided. If we know that Boro is not having a great support from the fans, then Chelsea is absolute favorite for this match.

Middlesbrough will play without Arca. Chelsea captain Terry is doubtful but he shoul play tonight. Chelsea are still without Ballack and Makalele.

I would take -1.5 handicap, but I a bit worried about Chelsea 1:0 win satisfaction. In that case the stake will be refunded so, worth a try. I would take this bet earlier when the odds were better, but I just got home.