Wounded Blues favourites against Saints: The Odds

Chelsea are a top priced 1.7 with bet365 to beat Southampton in their FA Cup tie at St Mary’s in what promises to be a real battle.

The Blues come into it having been on the wrong end of the upset of the season on Wednesday when beaten at home by lowly QPR whereas Southampton’s last outing saw them deservedly draw with Arsenal.

The home side have also caused problems for Spurs and both Manchester sides this season, and three of the four previous FA Cup clashes between the pair have gone to a replay so a tough game looks on the cards.

However Chelsea’s record in the competition is truly remarkable with four wins in the last six years, and Southampton have also lost 14 of their last 18 FA Cup matches against sides in the top flight.

That suggests that Rafa Benitez’s side should be able to get the job done at the first time of asking if they play to their strengths.

In the first goalscorer market, Juan Mata and Frank Lampard look the pair to concentrate on according to the stats.

The former four goals in the competition last year from seven appearances and can be backed at 6.5 with bet365, while the latter has netted five in his last eight FA Cup appearances and is an 8 chance with Betfred.

Both sides to score also looks a good punt at 1.67 with bet365, along with over 2.5 goals at odds of 1.65 with bet365.

I fancy Chelsea to win 2-1 and that outcome is an 8 chance with Betfred and Paddy Power.