Chelsea vs Brentford: Premier League gambling guide

Most supporters would probably agree that the international break came at a less-than-ideal time for Chelsea. The team was playing some of its best football of the season in the matches leading up to the hiatus, resulting in six consecutive victories, including progressions to the next round of both the FA Cup and Champions League. More importantly, the Blues’ attack was starting to develop a cohesive ruthlessness that hadn’t been seen since the days of Diego Costa. Suffice to say, it would be great for that form to continue.

Chelsea’s opponent for the Premier League’s return, Brentford, should pose a particularly annoying challenge, though. The Bees haven’t allowed more than two goals in a match since early February and Christian Eriksen’s acquisition during the January transfer window has certainly reinvigorated Thomas Frank’s former relegation candidates. The European Champions are more than capable of dispatching their London rivals, but there are no guarantees in the English top flight. The match might become tedious, but we can still make it profitable.

Here is the gambling guide to Chelsea’s Premier League match against Brentford

The Blues’ dominance over Brentford has lasted generations, with the latter’s most recent victory coming back in February of 1939. The bookmakers seem to be tracking this trend and they have subsequently made Chelsea a pretty heavy favorite at -270 odds on the moneyline. The first meeting between these two sides was cagey, to say the least, with a Ben Chilwell wonder goal at the stroke of halftime deciding the contest. I don’t love this ML bet at its current value, so I would try to include it in a parlay if possible.

The Asian Handicap is more attractive for this reason, but a multi-goal victory for the Club World Cup Champions is definitely not promised. During the aforementioned six-victory run, the Blues won three of their matches by a single goal and the other three by two goals. The plus juice on Chelsea -1.5 goals (+110) is great value considering how competent Brentford has looked for a majority of the campaign, and I will be placing this bet on Saturday. Thomas Tuchel is acutely aware of how crucial April will be in determining the success of the Blues’ season. He won’t allow his squad to take any opponents for granted.

Official odds (via WynnBet as of April 1)

Chelsea ML: -270
Draw: +385
Brentford: +900
Over/Under: 2.5 (-115/-105)

My Picks

I can’t lie, these are really some of the most difficult picks since I started doing this gambling series of articles. The picks were chosen almost entirely with my gut because I have no idea what Chelsea is going to look like coming out of the international break, but sometimes that’s the best way to decide where to put your money. I think the Blues can pull out an important win, so I’ll ride the team’s past momentum and take Chelsea -1.5 at +110.

Kai Havertz’s last-minute winner against Newcastle on March 13 has been replaying in my head on a continuous loop since it happened, and the European Champions have developed a penchant for scoring decisive goals in the dying embers of a match during this season. I’ll back this trend and bet Chelsea to win the second half at -140 odds for my second pick. Building off of this, I also like the Blues to take both 45 minute periods (+220 odds), which hasn’t happened since the first leg of the Champions League tie against Lille.

What are some of the things you’ll be betting on? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!