Chelsea v Roma Betting

CHELSEA v ROMA BETTING – 22nd OCTOBER 2008

The third round of Champions’ League Group A fixtures sees Chelsea hosting AS Roma of Italy’s Serie A. The teams have not met before, so there is no relevant “head-to-head” form. Get a Free £25 bet on Chelsea v Roma when you join either Blue Square or 888sport.

CURRENT FORM

Chelsea
Chelsea have made an impressive start to their domestic campaign, topping the Premier League with 17 points from 7 games. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari must have also been delighted with Chelsea’s start to their Champions League campaign, at home to Bordeaux. Frank Lampard headed the hosts in front after 14 minutes, with Joe Cole doubling the lead in the same fashion, on the half-hour. Late goals from Florent Malouda (82 minutes) and Nicolas Anelka (90 minutes) gave a scoreline that reflected the Blues superiority. Chelsea’s second outing was a visit to CFR Cluj of Romania, 3-1 conquerors of Roma. Chelsea escaped a distinctly uncomfortable night in Transylvania with a 0-0 draw. Chelsea could not break down the resilient CFR Cluj defence and the battling Romanians were good value for their draw. Cluj are enjoying a dream debut season in the Champions League, having opened their campaign with a 2-1 win over Roma and now sit level with Chelsea on top of Group A.

Roma
Roma have made an uninspiring start to their domestic season, with just 7 points from 6 games, currently occupying 14th position in Serie A. Despite their stuttering start, Roma were confidently expected to win their opening home Champions’ League fixture against CFR Cluj of Romanian Liga I, debutants in the competition. Roma led via a 17th minute strike from Christian Panucci, but Emmanuel Culio equalised for the Romanian side on the half hour and put them in front 4 minutes after half-time. CFR Cluj held on to deservedly take all 3 points in, on the face of it, one of the biggest Champions’ League shocks ever. However, a subsequent 0-0 home draw with Chelsea suggests that the win may not have been the fluke it appeared. Roma managed to get their campaign under way in their second outing, away to Bordeaux. In a scrappy encounter, the Italian side had a poor first-half, falling behind to a 20-yarder from Yoann Gourcuff after 15 minutes. However, Bordeaux were reduced to 10 men shortly before half-time, with the dismissal of centre back Henrique. Mirko Vucinic equalised on 64 minutes and a further brace from substitute Julio Baptista sealed a 3-1 win for Roma. Doubtless, the Italians will be relieved, but prospects look bleak for Bordeaux, with no points from their first two games.

KEY PLAYERS

Chelsea
Chelsea skipper, John Terry plays at centre back position and also captains the English national side.
Terry was voted best defender in the 2005 Champions’ League, PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2005, and was included in the FIFPro World XI for 2005, 2006 and 2007. He was also named in the all-star squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup, the only English player to make the team. In August 2008, he was awarded the Defender of the Year award by UEFA, at the Champions’ League group draw in Monaco.

Chelsea’s vice-captain, midfielder Frank Lampard, is the leading scorer amongst active players, with 115 goals, the highest ever for a Chelsea midfielder. Lampard has started the 2008-09 season strongly, scoring five goals in his first 10 matches.

Chelsea ‘keeper Petr Cech is the Czech Republic goalkeeper who has been at the club since July 2004.
He received the individual award of Best Goalkeeper in the 2004/2005, 2006/2007 and 2007/2008 seasons of the Champions’ League. Additionally, he was named in the Champions’ League “Team of the Season” for 2006.

Roma
Roma Captain, Francesco Totti, plays as a striker or an attacking midfielder, but is best known for playing as a second striker. Totti, who has spent his entire career at Roma, is the number one goalscorer and the most capped player in Roma’s history, including 37 appearances and 12 goals in the Champions’ League.

Versatile Brazilian Julio Baptista is another to look out for. A technically gifted player, he is effective as a holding or attacking midfielder and as a striker. He has only made 11 appearances for Roma, but has scored 8 times including 2 in the 3-1 defeat of Bordeaux.

All odds correct at time of writing. Please click here for the latest odds



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    • Written by John Lamerton · Filed Under Champions League 

    Comments

    One Response to “Chelsea v Roma Betting”

    1. HAMMED on October 21st, 2008 3:19 pm

      CHELSEA HAVE ALL IT TAKE TO WIN BOTH DOMESTIC AND CHAMPION LEAGUE THIS YEAR.BLUES FOR LIFE……………..TILL TONIGTH

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