Reading rescued a late point against Stoke City on their return to the Premier League on Saturday but face an altogether different challenge against FA Cup and Champions League winners Chelsea on Wednesday.
Adam Federici guaranteed himself an appearance on a Christmas blooper DVD when he gifted the Potters the lead but Adam Le Fondre spared his blushes with a late penalty.
It was a fair result and no more than Brian McDermott’s newcomers deserved for a late onslaught, while Tony Pulis must have felt he’d had his pocket picked.
Stoke had been the better side for the majority of the game but nerves may have got the better of Reading. They will need to improve for a tough assignment in west London, and difficult first road trip against Chelsea, who are quoted by Totesport the 9/2 third favourites in the Premier League outright betting.
Roberto Di Matteo’s men pulled off a job-done, 2-0 away win at Wigan at the weekend in which they mustered just three shots on target, while new signing Eden Hazard caught the eye.
The DW Stadium encounter highlighted potential flaws at the back and suggestions Chelsea’s defenders do not enjoy players running at them, while Fernando Torres might have made the game more comfortable.
The last time the two sides met was in 2008 when the Blues pulled off a 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge thanks to a Michael Ballack goal, so there is little to go on here in terms of recent history and the personnel have changed markedly for both sides.
Chelsea will be confident of a first win on home soil this season and this is reflected in the price of 1/4 in the match betting, with the draw quoted 9/2 and the Royals priced up the 12/1 rags.
Torres had an effort cleared off the line at Wigan and might have won his side a penalty on another day. The Spain striker is the 3/1 favourite in the First and Last Goalscorer market and 8/11 Anytime to open his account for the season.
Another option here would be to go split stakes on the 1-0 (13/2) and 2-0 (11/2) correct score outcomes, working on the theory McDermott might look to flood his midfield and stifle Chelsea.
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