Saturday, September 12, 2009

SATURDAY ...........


Southend took a share of the spoils yesterday and landed our bet, the US Open tennis was a washout weather wise and the Serena-Clijsters match has been rescheduled for today.

I have previewed six matches on the email service today, here is one to be going on with .....

PREMIER LEAGUE

STOKE CITY- CHELSEA

Credit where credit is due and City have made their Potteries home a real fortress in the last couple of seasons, noise levels are through the roof (not that there is one) and the Stoke players do not give you a moment's peace, it is a very tough place to go.

The two sides met at a very similar stage last season (round 6), at which time, City were still coming to terms with life in the top flight and Chelsea eased to a 2-0 win, but the first goal took 39 minutes to come and afterwards even home boss Tony Pulis admitted that the visitors were on another level. Since that day Stoke are 11-5-2 on home soil in the EPL and have conceded just eight goals, none so far this campaign. In fact, in five domestic starts, they have only allowed goals at Anfield.

Chelsea are playing well and creating chances, but an early strike is proving elusive, with so many of their players having been away with their national team this past ten days or so, it might again take them a while to get going. In their five starts in 09/10 they have yet to score a goal before the 37th minute and tended to step up a gear after the break.

I will take City to hold out for 45 minutes this time and Blues to once again come on strong in the second period, at circa 7/2 that looks far and away the best value available here .

4 points draw half time/ Chelsea full time 4.50 general quote.

Good Luck.

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