Chelsea are in a great position to secure their place in the Champions League quarter-finals as they take a two-goal lead into their second-leg against FC Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night (match betting – Chelsea 3/10, Draw 4/1, Copenhagen 6/1).
Two goals from the forgotten striker Nicolas Anelka were enough for Chelsea to cruise past their Danish opponents in the first leg.
Big-money signing Fernando Torres has been taking most of the spotlight at Stamford Bridge, despite the fact that he has failed to score in his first five games in a Blues shirt (Torres 8/13 to score anytime against Copenhagen).
Whether the former Liverpool striker can work alongside Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba has been one of the main talking points and is a question that manager Carlo Ancelotti has to deal with seemingly at every press conference.
This has left Anelka out of the limelight but it seemed to suit the Frenchman as he was clinical in front of goal at the Parken Stadium.
Ancelotti is likely to start with Torres and Drogba upfront, as the Blues hold a comfortable lead in this tie and can afford to let these two talented strikers work on their partnership.
This is unfortunate for Anelka, who has been the top goalscorer for the Blues in the current campaign.
FC Copenhagen battled against the Blues in front of their home fans but lacked that bit of quality when it came to the final third.
The Danish side, who are cruising their domestic league by 19 points, managed to hold Spanish giants Barcelona to a draw in the Champions League group stages, so they are capable of surprising big teams.
However, they will need to raise their game if they are to get anything out of the game at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.
Former Blues boy Jesper Gronkjaer was limited in what he could do against his old employers during the first leg and he was responsible for allowing Anelka to get his first goal at the Parken Stadium.
The 33-year-old will be hoping for a happy return to the Bridge but he and his team-mates will have to try and keep hold of the ball more against their Premier League opponents.
Copenhagen only managed just 41% of possession at home and they will find it more difficult on the road to keep hold of the ball.
Chelsea (5/1 – Champions League outright) have looked pretty comfortable throughout the Champions League and have yet to be really tested in the competition.
They may have to wait a little longer to face that test and they should comfortably beat Copenhagen on Wednesday night.
Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.
Brazilian playmaker Robinho finally managed to put an end to his spell with Manchester City yesterday by completing a move to Italian giants AC Milan – where he hopes to get his hands on some silverware (AC Milan 2/1 to win the Serie A).