Chelsea v Maccabi Tel Aviv - Match preview and odds

Chelsea v Maccabi Tel Aviv - Match preview and odds

19:45pm - Stamford Bridge

Group G

Chelsea begin their 2015-16 Champions League campaign against Israeli side Maccabi Tel Aviv having made their worst start in the English top flight for 29 years.

Chelsea feeling blue

After just two seasons in charge, Jose Mourinho is already feeling the pressure at Chelsea.

Having won the league in his second season back at the Bridge, it seemed like the Portuguese Coach was back to stay long-term at the club he once called “home.” However, a record of just one win in their first five league games has

left his team languishing at the wrong end of the Premier League table just one place above the drop zone.

Surprise package

After becoming the first team in Israel to win all three domestic trophies last season, Maccabi Tel Aviv qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 11 years by beating Hibernian, Viktoria Plzen and Basel in the qualifying stages.

When Coach Pako Ayestaran left for Mexican side Santos Laguna in the summer, the club replaced him with former Chelsea player Slaviša Jokanović. The Serbian confirmed his strong managerial credentials last year when he led English side Watford to promotion from the Championship to the Premier League.

The Israelis are unbeaten in the new league campaign and will be hoping that another former Chelsea man, Tal Ben Haim, can inspire them on Wednesday night.

Team news

Chelsea will have to make do without front man Radamel Falcao on Wednesday night - the Colombian is nursing a slight injury and will not recover in time. Meanwhile creative midfielder Oscar will once again be available for selection after recovering from a knee injury. Other expected changes should see Asmir Begovic stepping in for the injured Thibaut Courtois and Loic Remy getting a rare start up front.

Betting odds and tips

Despite their poor form and dip in confidence, Chelsea will be clear favourites to win this game. In fact, you will be lucky to get odds any better than the 1/4 on offer from Betvictor.

Thanks to some big prices, this is a game where you might be tempted to place a small stake on a draw, or even on the away win. The team from Tel Aviv will be out to frustrate the English champions and if they can hold out defensively, they may just manage a stalemate. You can back this outcome at 6/1 with bet365.

If you really believe that the Israelis can pull off an upset, why not take an outside punt on an away win at 16/1 with betfred.

Go To bet365

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16/09/2015     © Frixo 2024