Here are our top Eintracht Frankfurt v Chelsea betting tips. All the talk in the build-up to this match has been about a Chelsea win and the possibility of them meeting fellow Londoners Arsenal in the final, and that will sit perfectly with the locals who will be more than glad to fly under the radar and have the pressure put on Chelsea as they head into what will be an important first-leg.
If Frankfurt are to upset the odds and continue their Europa League adventure they will need to get off to a strong start, making home advantage count to grab the win and protect it when jetting to London for the rematch. A tight defence is needed to see off a Blues side full of goals at this level, but those loyal to the home dressing room will know this isn’t the all-conquering Chelsea of old who won the Champions League and they can go in without fear.
Frankfurt – Never Underestimate
Frankfurt really have caught our eye during their trek to the semi-finals and, whichever side you are on, it would be a shame to lose a club that lit up the early stages and have always given this tournament their full attention and the respect it deserves. They squeaked through to the last four when eliminating Benfica on the away goal rule. They were beaten 4-2 in Benfica first time out and it looked like their campaign was about to finish, but two away goals meant they were still in it and a 2-0 cheer at home in the second-leg was enough to drop their name into the hat, where their reward was a meeting with Chelsea. Not an easy tie, of course, but there are no half-games at this stage and Frankfurt will prepare as a side with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Blues See This as a Back-Up Plan
Chelsea are floundering in the Premier League race for a top-four finish and the Champions League riches that comes with qualification to the continent’s elite competition, but they will see this as a back-up plan, following the example set by Jose Mourinho at Man Utd and using a Europa League winner’s medal as a key to the backdoor. At the time of writing any two of four teams can realistically finish behind Liverpool and Man City in the top-flight, with the leaders battling it out to be champions. It’s all too cosy at the minute and Chelsea have allowed nerves and frustration to creep into their game, dropping silly points and failing to take advantage of slips made by Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United. If Chelsea had held their form during the early exchanges of spring, they’d be well on their way to a top-three place.
Sarri’s position is under intense scrutiny and there are many close to Stamford Bridge who believe he will be the next Premier League manager to be sacked following a below-par season, or – and this one is looking more likely – the Italian will be kept in a job until the end of the season before being shoved out the door and replaced. Rumour has it the Chelsea board don’t want to trust him with cash in another transfer window. Having said that, if Chelsea do go on to finish fourth in the Premier League, or even win the Europa League and force a return to Champions League football, it would be unfair to then show him the exit, allowing a fresh face to come in and reap the benefits of a decent campaign from Sarri and his players. We’ll have to wait and see how that one works out.
Away Win the Traders’ Choice
Despite playing away from home, Chelsea have been picked out as the most likely winners of this match and that may just come as a bit of a surprise to punters as they size-up their midweek bets. The Blues are more than capable of living up to expectations and winning on the road, but they are just as likely to throw in a stinker and leave themselves with a job to do when back in the Big Smoke. This will be an interesting match and we think it really could go either way, so resist the urge to simply back the favourite without giving it proper consideration. There’s a lot to consider when working through this bet, but you’re wanting a punt that’s going to be paid out as a winner, as well as one that will enhance your enjoyment of the live match. Don’t get too carried away.
Despite being market leader, there’s still plenty of value about if backing Chelsea and that just about sways it for us. Frankfurt were rather fortunate to get through the quarters and if it weren’t for the away goal – a rule some think should be scrapped – they could be out on their ear. Back Chelsea to win at 6/4 with Bet365. Like Arsenal, that’ll help boost your accumulators or it will do a job for larger stakes as a super single. A draw would also help the English side and that’s a 49/20 poke at Unibet – a score draw even better at 4/1 when getting your stake money down at Ladbrokes. That’s also market best price, so be careful who you trust. Frankfurt are a bold outfit who won’t roll over and play dead, especially in front of their own fans, and the home win is 7/4 (Unibet).