Chelsea’s hopes of making it back to the Champions League after a one year absence are slipping through their fingers. The Blues are currently in sixth in the Premier League table, and they are running out of time to break into the top four. They blew a golden opportunity to draw closer against Everton two weeks ago, and they need as many points as they can get over the final eight games of the season. That makes Sunday’s road game against lowly Cardiff City a must-win for the Blues.
Don't miss the English Premier League action from Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales at 9:05 a.m. ET on Sunday, March 31, 2019. Catch every moment of the match live on NBCSN.
English Premier League Odds
Cardiff City +620
Chelsea -221
Draw +349
Over/Under 2.5 and 3
Odds Analysis
Cardiff City aren’t quite in must-win territory yet, but they are getting close. The Bluebirds are in 18th place with 28 points, yet their situation isn’t as dire as Fulham or Huddersfield Town. Cardiff are just two points back of Southampton and Burnley in their quest to avoid relegation, but points here would obviously be massive. Half of their remaining games are against Big Six clubs, and they must also face Manchester City, Liverpool, and Manchester United after this. Two weeks ago, the Bluebirds moved a bit closer to saving their season with a 2-0 win over West Ham.
If the Blues continue their downward trend in league play, their only hope of making the Champions League will be by winning the Europa League. Chelsea have not won in the Premier League since beating Fulham 2-1 on March 3, as they drew with Wolves three weeks back and lost to Everton in their last match. In that one, Everton countered brilliantly and had multiple second half opportunities. That led to renewed criticism of Maurizio Sarri and his coaching philosophy.
When these teams first met in mid-September, it looked like Cardiff City would grab a shock result for a short time. Sol Bamba opened the scoring for the Bluebirds in the 16th minute, and Cardiff held the lead for quite some time. However, Eden Hazard proved to be too much to handle and his hat trick (followed by a late Willian goal) gave Chelsea a 4-1 win.
Key Injuries
Unfortunately for Cardiff City, they won’t have Sol Bamba here or for the rest of the season. He ruptured his ACL earlier in the month and will likely be out for the early part of next year too. Callum Paterson and Harry Arter are both doubtful, while Joe Bennett is questionable, and Victor Camarasa is probable.
Ethan Ampadu and Marco van Ginkel are both long-term injuries for the side of Chelsea. Ruben Loftus-Cheek is questionable due to a back injury, while Davide Zappacosta is questionable because of an ankle injury.
Player to Watch
Eden Hazard needs to be huge once more for Chelsea. There is already rampant speculation that one of the league’s top midfielders is on his way out at Stamford Bridge in the offseason due to the club’s transfer ban, and he is the main offensive option for a squad that hasn’t gotten great production out of its forwards. Hazard has 13 goals and 11 assists on the year.
Prop Bet – Cardiff City +1.5 -149
This is a little chalky in terms of juice, but like I said above, the Blues just don’t have a lot of great options at forward. Cardiff City would be more than happy with a draw here, and I think they will keep this one close.
Free Soccer Betting Pick
I’m really tempted to bet on Cardiff City to pick up a result, but I think Chelsea are too strong to not get the victory.
English Premier League Odds: Chelsea 2, Cardiff City 1
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