Huddersfield v Chelsea: Visitors to be left singing the Blues

Huddersfield v Chelsea
Tuesday 12 December, 20:00 GMT
Live on BT Sport

Terriers putting up a fight

Huddersfield went into Saturday's crunch match against Brighton on the back of four straight defeats, but they also knew that victory would lift them above their opponents and five points clear of the relegation zone.

The players didn't disappoint David Wagner or the fans as they recorded their fourth home win of the season, and it takes the pressure off a bit heading into this tricky game against Chelsea.

Wagner's men showed the kind of form that they had been showing earlier in the campaign on Saturday and if they can repeat that in this fixture, they are no back numbers.

It seems pretty obvious to suggest that the manager will keep an identical - or pretty similar - XI, and Steve Mounie should have a spring in his step following his first goals since the opening day of the campaign.

Conte concedes the title but top four still to play for

Antonio Conte all but admitted that his Chelsea side wouldn't be retaining their title this year following their lunchtime defeat at West Ham, and that was only reinforced by Manchester City's victory at Old Trafford.

Thankfully for The Blues, United, Liverpool and Arsenal all dropped points this weekend and they remain in third place, just three points off second.

Chelsea will be desperate to getting back to winning ways and this is the first of a nice little run of fixtures against clubs who are currently outside of the top nine in the division.

It will be interesting to see what changes Conte makes to his starting line-up, but it would appear likely that one or both of Pedro or Willian will be playing from the start.

Only a brave man could back the visitors

Chelsea have drifted slightly since the markets opened but they are still trading at 1.38 as of writing. That's a very short price considering the two team's respective results on Saturday and add in the fact that Huddersfield have lost just two of eight at home this year, and the signs are pointing towards it not being back-able.

The Blues have won as many on the road as they have at Stamford Bridge this term, but after recording victories in their opening three away games, they have since gone on to win just two of their last five.

That brings the other two results into play, which are the draw at 5.20 and a home win at 11.50. The latter is very tempting indeed at what must be considered a value punt. The Terriers have already beaten Newcastle, Manchester United, West Brom and Brighton here this season, and I always feel that an evening kick off helps the hosts.

If you want a small punt on a longer shot then I would highly recommend a wager on a Huddersfield victory, but if you want to play it safer then I wouldn't put you off laying Chelsea at 1.39.

Expect two tight defences

The Over/Under markets haven't quite firmed up yet but the early signs are that it will be Over 2.5 that is south of evens. The current Sportsbook prices are 9/10 Over and 1/1 Under, and if the Exchange follows suit, I'd be looking to back the Under.

The 2-0 win over Brighton was Huddersfield's fifth home game this season to finish with the ball in the net on two occasions or fewer, and we can also be confident that they won't be too adventurous against Chelsea.

The visitors have only had three of eight go Under 2.5 on their travels thus far, but it is worth noting that all three of them have come from their four latest outings, and the goals are drying up for them at the front end.

Ref Watch

Andre Marriner makes his return to the middle after sending off Paul Pogba at The Emirates at the beginning of the month. That was the third red card he's shown in 15 games this season, so he isn't adverse to reducing a team to 10 men.

The most cards he has shown in a match was a Europa League tie between Braga and Hoffenheim. He booked 11 players that day, but that is the only occasion that he has shown more than five yellows in a game.

Marcus Alonso and Alvaro Morata are one booking away from a ban as is Tommy Smith for Huddersfield. The two teams have had five red cards between them this year - which is exactly one quarter of all Premier League sending offs. Definitely keep an eye on the card markets.

Recommended Bets
Back Huddersfield @ 11.50
Back Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.00