This midweek we have the EFL Cup and the featured game is Chelsea vs Derby as one Frank Lampard returns to Stamford Bridge but as an opposing manager. Chelsea have been unbeaten this season and have knocked out Liverpool away from home to get here while Derby pulled one of the shocks of the tournament beating Man Utd away from home and will look to do the same here. Derby have been in great form but they are tipped as massive underdogs her and understandably so.
Key Facts
Chelsea are yet to be beaten this season in all competitions with a 11W 3D 0L record.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ross Barkley have been the men in form for Chelsea with Ruben scoring 4 in his last 2 apps and Barkley bagging 3 in his last 3 apps.
On average, Chelsea have been scoring a high 2.2 goals per game in all competitions this season. They’ve scored 13 in their previous 4 games. On fire
Chelsea have kept 7 clean sheets in 14 games this season having only conceded 9 goals in total (0.6 per game)
9 of 14 Chelsea games this season had over 2.5 goals.
Chelsea’s loaner Mason Mount is Derby’s top scorer with 5 goals in all competitions.
Derby have not kept a clean sheet in 8 straight games.
Derby score 1.6 goals on average per game and concede 0.9 per game.
9 of 18 Derby games this season had over 2.5 goals.
All 3 of derby wins in the competition were away from home (Oldham, Hull, Manchester United)
Team News
Chelsea: Given it being a cup tie against a Lower league side we can expect some rotation from Sarri. Hazard and Pedro are both huge doubts meaning that opportunity could open up for the youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi who impressed last week against BATE. Willian will likely start on the other wing as he’s done throughout the whole season with Giroud likely up top after Morata played in the league on Sunday. Expect Kovacic, Fabregas and Loftus-Cheek who is in great form to complete the midfield trio and then Zappacosta, Cahill, Christensen and Emerson to complete the backline with Caballero in goal. It pretty much is expected to be the same lineup as against BATE last Thursday bar a couple changes.
Derby County: Derby are expected to name their strongest possible line-up as they did so against Man Utd. Both Chelsea loanees Tomori and Mount have been allowed to play so they will be looking to impress against their adult club. Derby have played some good football picking up 7 from 9 pts against 3 promotion chasing sides recently so they’ll be full of confidence. Last month they went forward and outplayed Man Utd so this team is no joke and they will for sure have a goat Chelsea here.
Betting Tips and Predictions
In this game we could see a closer match than many anticipate. Yes Chelsea are the giant club playing against a Championship side but Derby are a pretty quality side when you look at them. In this game we can for sure expect some goals. Chelsea going forward are very good but Derby aren’t too bad either. In this game it’s best to wait until over 2.5 goals odds rise to like 1.80 so that should take about 15-20 minutes and then take it hoping that there’s no goals early on. Ruben Loftus Cheek to score anytime Is worth a try given his goal scoring record recently and why not go for Mason Mount to score anytime. This wonderkid will be looking to prove himself to his adult club and he does like to score goals. BTTS is the final pick from this match at 1.95. Chelsea should have no issues scoring but we do see Derby themselves bagging a goal here, Chelsea’s back up defense isn’t that strong. Prediction is a 2-1 Chelsea Win.
Match Odds (TonyBet)
Chelsea Win – 1.25
Draw – 6.00
Derby County Win – 12.50
KICK OFF – 31st October 2018 - 7:45pm UK Time
.png?v=1.014689135)
