Champions League: Chelsea target confidence boosting Tel Aviv win
Despite dominating last season in the Premier League, Chelsea have struggled to recapture that previous fine form this term after suffering their worst domestic start since 1988, but a Champions League win over Maccabi Tel Aviv can revive spirits.
Chelsea may be struggling domestically, but they should be boosted in their European ventures by the fact they have lost only one of their last nine Champions League home games, a record which the Londoners will aim to extend.
Jose Mourinho’s Blues are 11/4 with Coral to secure victory and both team to score, with a max stake of £20, as they search for what would be only their second win all season and their first at Stamford Bridge.
With Israeli champions Tel Aviv travelling to London as massive 22/1 underdogs to claim three points in this Group G clash, Chelsea midfielder Nemanja matic believes it’s a great chance for his stuttering side to regain some much-needed confidence.
“Of course we are not happy. Everybody is sad because of the [Everton] result. Obviously we feel bad. We are in a difficult moment, and having four points after five games is not normal for our team, stated Matic who scored a thuderbolt in the recent loss to the Toffees.
“If you saw this game, I cannot say we deserved to win but we deserved a draw.
“Chelsea are not used to being on runs like we are at the moment but this is the reality. We have to work hard to get our game back to the way we played last season.
“I really don’t know what’s happened but it’s not good for us and we need to see what we can do better as a team.
“It’s good we have another game in a couple of days against Maccabi. We have to win, for our own confidence and for the fans. Then we have a derby against Arsenal, so I hope we will be ready for that and we can take three points.”
Both Diego Costa and Eden Hazard have failed to live up to expectations set by their sublime performance last season, but the latter is 5/1 to open proceedings on home turf in his latest outing (max stake £20).
The reigning Israeli champions are set for a tough task despite Chelsea’s recent failings and their main danger could be that of Eran Zahavi, who finished the last two campaigns as the league’s top scorer. He is 11/2 to strike anytime in London on his latest appearance.
A victory for Chelsea could cause a switch of momentum for the rest of the season, but any other result will only pile further pressure on Mourinho and his stumbling English champions.
Betting tip: Chelsea to win and both teams to score @ 11/4
