Chelsea v Cardiff FA Cup Betting – Terry and Cole missing for Blues

It’s the big glamour tie for Cardiff in the FA Cup, and it is their reward for a home win against Leicester in the previous round. Cardiff need the big pay day, and while a win against the Premier League leaders would be a massive victory, so would taking the match to a replay. The Welsh side have been trying to keep her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs wolves from their door, successfully having another winding-up order delayed. They are having to borrow advance money from tickets sales, as well as sell some of the land they owned, and this is all from a club which is seriously in the play-off hunt for promotion to the Premier League. The visit to Stamford Bridge is their big day out, and it will help them stave off money worries for a little bit.

But they are not going to go to their illustrious rich counterparts just for the money. The Championship side firmly believe that they can cause an upset. They are certainly carrying the form to do jus that, as they have won five out of their last outings. The loss in that run of games came by then Championship leaders Newcastle, who tore the Cardiff side apart. Unfortunately for Cardiff, they can’t take a fully fit squad to Stamford Bridge, as they announced that midfielder Stephen McPhail won’t take part in the game. With main threat up front Jay Bothroyd touch and go whether he will be able to play, boss Dave Jones will be unlikely to be able to put out a full bench of substitutes, such is the injury crises he is having to deal with.

No such problems for Chelsea, although they have just lost Ashley Cole for three months, as under fire Captain John Terry is in Dubai taking a break away from the game to sort out his personal life. Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti still refuses to take the competition light heartened, as name a strong team, with Hilario taking over in goal from Petr Cech. Cardiff will have to deal with Didier Drogba and Daniel Sturridge up front, as Nicolas Anelka gets a well earned rest. The major changes comes in defence, where Paolo Ferreira and Alex come in as replacements for England duo Terry and Cole. The Blues are steadfast in their ambitions to hold on to the title which they won against Everton in last year’s final.

It was against Everton during midweek that Chelsea’s unbeaten 2010 came to an end in 2-1 defeat, with both Toffees goals coming from Louis Saha, who did his old club Manchester United a huge favour. Cardiff are on a pretty good run of form away from home, and will be hoping that they can repeat their success of 2008 when they reached the FA Cup final. For now, they will have to overcome the strongest opposition left in the competition this year, with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United all having taken their exit.

BETTING STATS

Last 5 Match Goals
Chelsea: 9 For, 4 Against
Cardiff: 15 For, 8 Against

Last 10 Form
Chelsea: W6, D3, L1
Cardiff: W4, D4, L2

Win Percentage:
Chelsea have an 89.5 win percentage at home
Cardiff have a 41.2 win percentage away from home

Match Prices
Chelsea to win: 2/11 at Boylesports
Draw: 13/2 at Paddy Power
Cardiff to win: 16/1 at SkyBet

Asian Handicap Betting Advice: On their day, Chelsea should be a good two goals better than Cardiff, but Cardiff are going well at the moment, despite all of their financial woes. They can put up a fight, but could be missing two of their most creative and influential players. Chelsea are sending a strong line up into competition as they look to hold on to their FA Cup title. At home, it is hard to bet against Chelsea playing lower opposition.
Cardiff +2 Asian Handicap: 9/8 at Bet365