WBA vs Chelsea - Preview
Arsenal’s thumping win in the North London derby last weekend promoted Chelsea to the top of the list of ‘crisis clubs’ in the Premier League.
The questions over striker Fernando Torres, not to mention the methods of his manager or the morality of his captain, have meant Chelsea are out at nearly evens to win at the Hawthorns, priced at a juicy 1.91 with Bet365. The stats all point to a win for the Blues though, despite the media’s beady eye being fixed upon their every slip.
Torres’ persisting woes in front of goal have been one strain of the enduring narrative of troubles at Chelsea, and according to the WhoScored ratings, he is the 38th best player on offer from either of these sides, narrowly behind Gabriel Tamas and Paul Scharner.
Head-to-head there is simply no contest, Chelsea have won six from their last six against West Brom and going further back have a mightily impressive record against the Baggies, winning their last eleven in all competitions.
Chelsea’s away form may not be the greatest, but The Hawthorns has been one of the best grounds for visitors this season, with West Brom 16th in the home league table (yet an outstanding 4th based on away games). Having lost four of their last six at home, plenty will be rushing to oppose the hosts, and Chelsea have the class to make it count.
Inter vs Catania - Preview
Bottom of the form table, Inter are a club in crisis with Claudio Ranieri almost certain not to be the club’s manager next season.
Winless in six and having lost their last four on the bounce, the last thing they need is a visit from not only a team in form, but also one who normally (as they will on Sunday) they would be expected to beat.
Catania will go to the San Siro full of confidence, 3rd in the Serie A form table with a chance to pull off a historic result against mentally fragile opposition and complete their double over the Nerazzuri this season.
Inter sold their best player (according to the WhoScored ratings system) in January, and with his replacement, Fredy Guarín, not yet fit they have struggled. Failing to score in their last four matches, Ranieri knows that if they repeat that then there is no way they can win this weekend, and they are 2.1 to lose or draw.
For Catania to pull off the ultimate upset is 5.5, and unlikely given that Inter have won their last five at home to this Sunday’s visitors.
If you fancy Inter to stop the rot, then the WhoScored match forecast predicts Inter scoring a long shot, indeed 52% of their shots come from this area. With Wesley Sneijder featuring most in that attacking midfield role, he seems a good bet for first goalscorer at 7.00.
Rayo Vallecano vs Racing Santander - Preview
Pre-season, this game would have been viewed as a key match in the relegation battle for both sides but as it is, the hosts could go above such clubs as Sevilla and Atletico Madrid with a win this Saturday.
Rayo’s all-or-nothing approach has seen them win three and lose three of their last six, although one of those was a narrow 1-0 defeat to champions elect Real Madrid. This puts them fifth in the form table, and up against a Racing side that are winless in six, it makes them rightfully favourites, priced at 1.83 for the win.
While this may seem tempting, Racing are the league’s draw specialists with 12 this season, and four of their last six have ended in stalemates. Given Rayo’s lofty league position is principally due to their good away form, the draw at 3.4 seems like very good value.