Europa League: Chelsea on the Cusp of Another Cup Final

Chelsea vs Eintracht Frankfurt

Chelsea’s season is suddenly looking quite successful. They have secured Champions League football for next season after a 3-0 win over Watford over the weekend. And while they were unable to win the Carabao Cup, they could have another shot at silverware if they can reach the final of the Europa League.

The Blues are in a good spot to do so after a 1-1 draw in the first leg against Eintracht Frankfurt. So now, a goalless draw or a win at Stamford Bridge in the second leg will see them through.

The Chelsea vs Eintracht Frankfurt betting odds don’t favour the Germans to get a shock away win, as they head into the second leg not having tasted victory in quite a while. But with a lethal striker like Luka Jovic lurking, this tie is still far from over.

Talking Points

Chelsea in control at home

Things are looking up for Chelsea. After picking up a decent draw in Germany, they came back and beat a very competent Watford side. The Blues blew the Hornets away in the second with three goals from Ruben Loftus-Cheek, David Luiz, and Gonzalo Higuain. Eden Hazard also supplied two assists.

That win was actually Chelsea’s first in their last six matches following a Europa League assignment. It was also another example of how impressive the Blues can be at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have lost just once in their last 16 home matches in all competitions (14 wins, two draws). Moreover, they’ve scored two or more goals in 14 of those games, which is quite impressive for its consistency.

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Chelsea have been especially prolific at home in Europe. They’ve put up at least three goals in each of their last five Europa League matches at home. They scored four goals inside the first half an hour to settle their tie against Slavia Prague.

Chelsea also gave up three goals in that match, which does not happen often. The Blues had given up just one goal in their first five home matches in the competition.

With the way Frankfurt have been playing at the moment, it will be hard to see Chelsea not putting up at least a couple more goals in the second leg.

Frankfurt’s form has fallen

Eintracht Frankfurt will head into the second leg against Chelsea in horrific form. Since beating Benfica 2-0 in the second leg of their quarter-final, they have failed to win their next four games (three draws and a loss).

They were most recently dealt a disastrous 6-1 hammering by Bayer Leverkusen, who have now tied fourth-placed Frankfurt on points. Granted, manager Adolf Hutter made some changes to his side, which included resting star striker Luka Jovic ahead of this second leg.

But still, it doesn’t bode well for morale to get spanked away from home, especially as it comes on the heels of a huge European away trip.

On the bright side for Frankfurt, though, the big Europa League 2019 news for them is that they will get Ante Rebic back after he missed the first leg due to suspension. The Croatian should provide more support for Jovic, which Frankfurt desperately need Sebastien Haller still sidelined due to injury.

Europa League: Eintracht Frankfurt have been win-less in their last four matches — Eintracht Frankfurt Players are looking dejected after losing against Bayer Leverkusen

Frankfurt adopted a very defensive approach in the first leg, which succeeded in frustrating Chelsea. But they’ll need to come out and attack at some point at Stamford Bridge because of the Blues’ away goal.

Frankfurt have shown they’re fully capable of pulling off results away from home in Europe. They went to Italy and beat both Lazio and Inter earlier in the competition.

Although, they were beaten 4-2 by Benfica in their latest away assignment. Granted, they were down to 10 men for most of the match after an Evan Ndicka red card.

History

Chelsea’s amazing home form isn’t a one-season wonder. The Blues have actually gone a record 16 games unbeaten at Stamford Bridge in the Europa League, with 14 wins. That streak dates back to 2013 when they won the entire competition.

Chelsea have a similarly impressive home record against German visitors, winning six of eight matches. Overall, they have 10 wins, six draws, and four defeats in 20 matches against Bundesliga opposition.

On the other side, Eintracht Frankfurt have an impressive away record in the Europa League, with seven wins, two draws, and two defeats. However, only one of those wins have come in the knockout stages.

Moreover, Frankfurt have lost three of the four UEFA ties in which they have drawn the first leg at home. Although, they were finally able to win in that scenario this season against Inter.

Betting Tip

	Chelsea vs Eintracht Frankfurt	Asian Handicap Chelsea -1.25 @ 1.83
	May 10, 03:00 (GMT+8)

This tie is really Chelsea’s to lose. They have the critical away goal, so a goalless draw would be enough to see them through. But given their impressive home form, they really should win the second leg to secure that final berth.

And with Frankfurt struggling for form, there’s also a decent chance that Chelsea win somewhat comfortably at the Bridge. SBOBET Asian Handicap sports betting has Chelsea winning by 1.25 goals priced at 1.83.