Chelsea v Atletico Madrid (7.45pm, SKY)

This could be more like a game of chess than a football match.

The 0-0 draw between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea in Spain gives an edge to Atletico who will know if they can claim an away goal Chelsea’s task will just about double in difficulty.

The Chelsea ‘bus’ will no doubt be parked in front of the Chelsea goal at Stamford Bridge and I can easily envisage Chelsea concentrating their efforts in defence whilst Atletico chase the goal to break the deadlock.

Mourinho summed up the situation as only Mourinho can: “When Atletico have the ball we have to defend; when we have the ball we have to attack. When they have the ball we have to try to stop them scoring; when we have the ball we have to try to score.”

Thank you for that Jose.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Apr 2014 C League Atl Madrid 0-0 Chelsea
Aug 2012 European S Cup Chelsea 1-4 Atl Madrid
Nov 2009 C League Atl Madrid 2-2 Chelsea
Oct 2009 C League Chelsea 4-0 Atl Madrid

Chelsea are without their goalkeeper Petr Cech having dislocated his shoulder but captain John Terry is expected to be back after his ankle injury.

For Atletico, midfielder Gabi will miss the second leg through suspension after picking up a yellow card in the first leg but otherwise are on full strength.

Chelsea do come into this game with momentum after Mourinho got the tactics spot on when spoiling things for Liverpool at Anfield and ensuring Chelsea remain with a slim chance themselves in the Premier League title race.

But one team needs to score tonight at some point. Atletico have kept clean sheets in each of their last six matches so it’s going to be a question of whose bus is the biggest ?

The London tube strike finishes at 9pm tonight. That should be good for the fans as this is unlikely to be resolved before then.

If it is, then it’ll have to be a Chelsea bus home.

A sell of total goals and bookings which was rewarding for us last night with a make-up of only 20 against the sell of 60.

RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-10 points)

SELL BOOKINGS CHELSEA / ATLTETICO MADRID for 10 points at around 62 with Star Spreads
SELL TOTAL GOALS CHELSEA / ATLTETICO MADRID for 10 points at around 2.1 with Star Spreads

RUNNING RETURN (APRIL): LOSS 1076.00 POINTS

RUNNING RETURN (YEAR): LOSS 640.00 POINTS

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.