Chelsea have a 100% home record at this year's
Champions League. They have accumulated 13 points in 5 matches and currently lead Group D. There is 4 points separating them from 2nd place FC Porto and the Blues know their spot is secure in the knockout stages.
Carlo Ancelotti has had to deal with two tough defeats in the past week. Last Wednesday, Chelsea was knocked out of the Carling Cup by Blackburn Rovers. They followed this up with a 2-1 league defeat to Manchester City. The players will feel motivated to get a good result here, if only to regain lost confidence from their last 2 matches. However, Ancelotti will probably rest some starters for the weekend match against Everton. The first time that Chelsea met
APOEL in Cyprus, they came out with a 1-0 victory. A slightly weaker Chelsea side could potentially have some problems with the Cyprian visitors.
APOEL have had an expectedly hard time in the Champions League thus far. After 5 matches, they have only managed to get 2 points and are 1 point behind 3rd place
Atletico Madrid. Since 3rd automatically goes to the Europa League round of 32, the Cyprus club will be keen to get something from Chelsea in London. A win may seem unfeasible, but the visitors will try for at least a point. This means that
Ivan Jovanovic will opt for a defensive strategy and hope to score against the English giants on counterattacks and set pieces. In Cyprus 1 Division, APOEL are tied for first with rivals
Omonia Nicosia. The two teams meet this weekend in a derby match that APOEL will want to be ready for. Despite this, Jovanovic will field a strong side against Chelsea in the hopes of keeping European dreams alive.
Although
APOEL have a tough domestic matchup this weekend, they will field a confident side who are eager to get something from this match with Chelsea. Since Manchester United are now within 2 points of the Premier League leaders,
Carlo Ancelotti will likely rest some of his starters for the weekend match against Everton. This, coupled with Chelsea's recent struggles gives added value to backing APOEL +1.5 (Asian Handicap).
Chelsea F.C. vs. APOEL Nicosia
Tuesday December 8, 2009
Kickoff: 20:45 CET
Watch this match Online for Free!Tip: APOEL +1.5 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 1.83 @ Bet365
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