At this point, I just can’t wait for the season to be over. The past few Chelsea matches have been incredibly frustrating for players and supporters alike, with countless points being dropped unnecessarily against undoubtedly weaker opposition because of silly mental errors. A sizable portion of the squad appears to be on the beach, which is probably due to the fact that these players won’t be at Stamford Bridge in 2022/23. Therefore, they don’t have any vested interest in the Blues’ future. The reigning European Champions now find themselves back in a fight for the top four and they will need every remaining ounce of competitive spirit to qualify for next year’s Champions League. I’ll just be watching and hoping for the best.
I will, though, continue to put my full energy into these picks. The unpredictability of Chelsea’s recent results has made it nearly impossible to gamble on the team’s matches, with cagey, defensive affairs being followed by end-to-end barn-burners in the span of only three days. My record has certainly taken a beating over the past month or so, but there is one positive to the Blues’ poor form. The doubt of the bookmakers is starting to show itself. For the Club World Cup champions to be getting -145 odds against a team that looks destined for the Championship next season, there has to be serious disbelief in the former’s quality. I can’t say I disagree at this point either.
Want your voice heard? Join the The Pride Of London team!
Here is your gambling guide to the match between Chelsea and Leeds United
Just as there has been no rhyme or reason to some of the Blues’ recent scorelines, the same can probably be said for Leeds. Jesse Marsch’s appointment in early March looked to be a turning point for the Lilywhites—who had struggled mightily under Marcelo Bielsa—with last-minute victories and thrilling comebacks becoming calling cards for the former Leipzig boss. The variability in the team’s performances means that anything can happen on Wednesday, especially considering they will both be desperate for all three points.
I’m expecting a high-energy affair with a lot of defensive errors, regardless of who comes out on top. Thus, I’ll be watching the goal totals as kickoff approaches. Over 2.5 goals is looking pretty good to me at -160. One appealing prop with good value is both teams to score at -155 odds.
The first matchup between Chelsea and Leeds this season finished 3-2 with a 94’ Jorginho penalty deciding the contest amidst a poor run of form back in December. The defending European Champions don’t have the comfort of Stamford Bridge to rely on this time though, and they will be facing a hostile crowd that fiercely wants to remain in the English top flight. The supporters’ energy should buy Leeds at least one goal, but the Blues are one of the best away sides in the Premier League this season. As I said earlier, expect the ball to find the back of the net.
Official odds (via WynnBet as of May 11)
Chelsea ML: -145
Leeds ML: +380
Draw: +315
Over/Under: 2.5 (-160/+130)
My picks
I’ve tried pretty much everything to win frequently while gambling on Chelsea matches, but that doesn’t seem possible. I’ve covered the spectrum from extremely risky bets to extremely safe bets without any consistent success, so I think my strategy will just be to not have a strategy. I’ll simply pick the bets I like. For the game against Leeds, give me Chelsea moneyline (-145), over 2.5 total goals (-160), and the both teams to score prop (-155). I have to get hot at some point, right?
What are some of the bets you’ll be placing? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!