Super Sunday this week comprises of just the one match in the Premier League and it sees Middlesbrough hosting Chelsea in a match which will not only show us if Middlesbrough are good enough to survive this season but it may also tell us just how strong Chelsea’s title credentials really are.
Middlesbrough
Aitor Karanka’s men are in the middle of a nasty little set of fixtures but they have come out of the first three of them in credit. They have drawn with Arsenal and Manchester City away from home and seen off Bournemouth so they go into this test full of confidence. They have conceded just the one goal in those three matches which will further encourage them.
This is the sort of match that Middlesbrough were so desperate to get promoted again for and I don’t expect them to disappoint in it in any way. I fancy they will set up to keep things tight but they have the midfield quality to get up and support the striker and they should be full of belief after their last three outings.
Chelsea
It took a while for Antonio Conte to make his mark at Chelsea this season but once he switched formation to the 3-4-3 they currently employ the change has been as obvious as it has eye catching. The Blues have now won their last five matches and haven’t conceded a single goal in that time which has catapulted them right into the title mix.
Not only has Conte found a formation which works but he has found the best form of Eden Hazard once again with the Belgian international lighting up the league again. Diego Costa has been on fire too and everywhere you look in this Chelsea side they are going well. They’ll be a tough nut to crack in this one.
Team News
Middlesbrough will have to head into the match without Daniel Ayala while George Friend could be missing as well as he has an injury concern. Gaston Ramirez has served a one-match ban and returns for the home side.
The big news for Chelsea is that Diego Costa is available despite missing international duty with Spain because of an injury. Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas are also fit to be selected.
Betting
Chelsea were my idea of the champions heading into the season and I’ve not changed that opinion and with Liverpool only drawing on Saturday they will know a win here takes them to the top of the table and I don’t expect them to pass up that chance.
Clearly we’re not going to get too rich backing Chelsea at 4/7 to win the match but given that Middlesbrough average less than a goal a game this season added onto the fact that Chelsea haven’t conceded in five matches perhaps the best value lies in Chelsea to win to nil. At 7/5 that’s where my money is going.
Tips
WON – Back Chelsea to win to nil for a 4/10 stake at 2.41 with 188bet
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