FA Cup 
/ Frank Gregan / 17 March 2012 / Leave a Comment 
They did it in midweek - can they do it again on Sunday?
"The combined age of Chelsea's four scorers on Wednesday night was about a millennium-and-a-half and it may prove fruitful to stick with the elder statesmen again."
Roberto Di Matteo has wasted no time getting Chelsea back to winning ways and that good run can continue at home to Leicester in the FA Cup, says Frank Gregan
Chelsea V Leicester City, Sunday KO 1405 Live on ESPN.Match Odds: Chelsea [1.3], Leicester [13.0], The Draw [6.2]
While the Chelsea faithful will be delighted with the start that Roberto Di Matteo has made, the away fans making the trip down from the East Midlands will be wishing that Andre Villas-Boas had been given just a few more weeks in the job. What looked like a banana skin when the draw was made now looks like a home banker thanks to Di Matteo putting his faith in the old guard and the Chelsea legends stepping up to the plate these last couple of weeks.
There's always been rumours about player power at Stamford Bridge but the caretaker manager appears to be comfortable with the input of his senior players.
John Terry is a doubt for Chelsea as is his central defensive partner David Luiz, which only strengthens the argument that Di Matteo will rest some of those that played a major part of the 120 minutes in midweek. Raul Meireles is available for selection after suspension and the midweek bench was testament to how much strength in depth the Italian has at his disposal.
Leicester have Paul Konchesky available after a three match ban but Liam Moore, Conrad Logan and Danny Drinkwater are all cup-tied.
Match Odds
This is one of those markets that can have you reaching for the defiblarator. [1.3] is short, there's no denying it but where else can you make 30% on your investment in a couple of hours? It's difficult to see any other outcome other than a home win, it's accepted that Birmingham City did the Championship proud in the last round by drawing at the Bridge but that was against a team in disarray.
Di Matteo can't have reunited the dressing room in such a short space of time. Those who were AVB's favourites and now find themselves warming the bench won't be thrilled about the change in circumstances but the important thing is the players that the Italian has placed his faith in are producing. History is not on Leicester's side, Opta points out that the Foxes have never beaten Chelsea in the FA Cup, losing all four ties and despite knocking out Premier League new boys Norwich in the last round Stamford is likely to prove to be a bridge too far for Nigel Pearson's men.
Over/Under 2.5 Goals
Chelsea managed 'overs' on their own on Wednesday night against the side lying fourth in Serie A and who have conceded less than a goal a game on the road in the Italian league this season. It's therefore no surprise to see 'overs' priced at a miserly [1.64]. Leicester also have goals in their camp, Opta points out that Jermaine Beckford is the joint top scorer in the FA Cup this season with five goals and has scored 14 in his last 15 FA Cup games. 'Overs' it is then, but if you don't like betting odds-on take a look at over 3.5 goals at [2.64]
To Score
The combined age of Chelsea's four scorers on Wednesday night was about a millennium-and-a-half and it may prove fruitful to stick with the elder statesmen again. Frank Lampard's goal came from the penalty spot but the timing of his late runs into the box looked spot-on once again. The selection in this market was a toss up between Didier Drogba and Lamps but the latter gets the nod because he's the main man when a spot kick is awarded. He's also likely to be a much better price at [2.3] compared to Drogba who will be in the region of [1.9]. If you were impressed by the Opta fact relating to Jermaine Beckford's FA Cup goalscoring record you should consider the [5.5] that should be attainable for him to score at any time during the match.
Chelsea win Both Halves
Those of you that have a fancy for Chelsea but are trying to keep off the blood pressure pills might find this a more relaxing market. The [2.5] that should be available looks a very tempting proposistion.
Recommended Bets
Back Frank Lampard to score at [2.3]
Back over 2.5 goals at [1.64]
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