Rafa welcomes Champions to the Bridge for tough first game: The Odds

Rafael Benitez takes charge for the first time at Stamford Bridge as Chelsea play host to Man City in a game which they need to win to keep pace in the title race.

 

The Blues are 2.75 chances with Betfred to secure all three points but have not been at their best in the league of late.

 

Draws against Swansea and Liverpool followed by a 2-1 defeat at West Brom, has left thee early-season pace-setters in third spot – four points behind leaders City.

 

However the stats suggest that they are capable of Roberto Mancini’s men if bringing their A-game to the table for the new gaffer.

 

Chelsea have won 20 times against City in the league, a record which is only surpassed by Arsenal (21).

 

They have also lost just two of 15 PL games at Stamford Bridge in 2012 (W10 D3 L2), and the last four meetings between the two sides in the top flight have ended as home wins.

 

Fernando Torres heads the betting at 7.5 with Paddy Power to open the scoring, and van be backed at 2.88 with Boylesports to net anytime.

 

However it’s Frank Lampard that once again appeals as better value in both those markets.

 

He scored a penalty in the corresponding fixture last December as is chalked up at a tasty looking 4.2 with Paddy Power to get on the scoresheet and is an 11 chance with the same firm to bag the opener.

 

The last meeting between the two sides in this fixtures saw Chelsea run out 2-1 winners, and a repeat of that scoreline makes plenty of appeal from a punting perspective at the 9.5 on offer with bet365.

 

Both sides to score also looks a rock solid bet at 1.5 with bet365 and Paddy Power given the attacking talent on show.