Genk v Chelsea Champions League Betting Odds & Preview – 01.11.11

Blues closing in on qualification

Champions League Betting

Chelsea need to restore a bit of solidity to their season after back to back defeats in the Premier League. The Blues were on the wrong end of a 5-3 at Stamford Bridge against Arsenal on the weekend, a game in which neither defence really bothered showing up. While new Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas has tried to inject a fluent, creative and attacking ethos into the team, some of the defensive strengths which a lot of Chelsea’s successes under Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti have been thrown out of the window. The backline for the Blues were just not at the races against Arsenal, and their high holding line was sprung time and time again by Arsenal. But, on the positive side, Chelsea do look good attractive side going forward now, and once again, Spaniard Juan Mata looks to be a genuine world star. The Blues buried three goals, usually enough to win a match, but a lot of work needs to be done at the back. There is a genuine lack of pace between John Terry and whoever partners him at the moment, and right back Jose Bosingwa is much better going forward than he is defending. Still, Villas Boas can switch his attention back to the Champions League, the big title that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich covets so badly. Chelsea are going along nicely in their Champions League group, with four wins from four, including a record equaling Champions League victory against Genk on Match Day three. Their 5-0 triumph at Stamford Bridge, equaled Chelsea’s best win in the competition, and now, with having to face the Belgians again, Tuesday should see a return to winning ways for Chelsea. Another three points in the group could see Chelsea book a qualification place with two matches to play afterwards. Booking qualification, and trying to secure top spot in the group as early as possible would allow Chelsea to relax in the remaining matches. With Genk being the group outsiders, Chelsea should take all six points away from them, and the Londoners should be able, and expect to, run out as comfortable match winners in your Genk v Chelsea Champions League betting.

This is only the second time that Genk have been in the Champions League, and on their first attempt they failed to win a single group match. They could be in danger of repeating that feat, after being lumped in a tough group alongside Chelsea, Bayer Leverkusen and Valencia. To their credit, the Belgians did hold on for a 0-0 draw at home against Valencia, but that elusive first victory seems a long way off. Two weeks ago, Genk went to Stamford Bridge for the first time, and learned another harsh lesson about facing top European competition. Genk will probably be sick of the sight of Andre Villas Boas, as they faced his Porto side last season in the Europa League and lost 7-2 on aggregate. FC Genk have yet to manage a goal in the Champions League so far this season, and have conceded seven. So you can really picture them trying to keep things as tight as possible for as long as possible against Chelsea in Genk on Tuesday night. Chelsea have never drawn a match against a side from Belgium, and their superior firepower should see them pick up another three points. Chelsea have buried eight Champions League goals in their three matches so far, and have had 32 attempts on target compared to Genk’s 8. So there really does not look as if there is going to be any big surprise on the cards. Whether Andre Villas Boas will use this opportunity to rest a few players, or keep out a familiar side to try and shake them up and get them back in to good habits again, remains to be seen. André Villas Boas wants his side to be more ruthless, but they sure need to get back to the training ground after the defensive horror show against Arsenal. Chelsea will probably do enough to secure a place back in next year’s Champions League, but their title credentials on both the domestic and European fronts are now being questioned after the weekend. This is the ideal match in which to produce a response to their critics on the pitch.

FC Genk v Chelsea Champions League Betting
Chelsea to win: 1/4 at Boylesports
Draw: 5/1 at Bet365
Genk to win: 14/1 at Victor Chandler

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