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There is plenty at stake when Bayer Leverkusen host Chelsea in Group E on Wednesday night, writes James Eastham.


Leverkusen v Chelsea, 19:45, Live on ITV1, Match Odds: Leverkusen 3.55, Chelsea 2.32, Draw 3.4.

Match Odds

Andre Villas Boas' side top the pool with 8pts, followed by Leverkusen on 6pts. Valencia lie in third on 5pts, with Genk on 2pts - so there is everything to play for in this clash at the BayArena.

Leverkusen will have drawn great confidence from Chelsea's poor domestic form. The Blues arrive with their Portuguese manager having to field questions from the press about his future - and while suggestions he may face the sack are overblown, he will undoubtedly be worried about their form.

Chelsea have vast European experience, of course, but their away record this season leaves plenty to be desired - they drew 1-1 in Valencia and could then manage only the same scoreline against a Genk side they really should have beaten.

At the available prices, backing the hosts at 3.55 or the draw at 3.4 are the smart bets, or lay Chelsea at 2.35.


Over / Under 2.5 Goals

Group E has been low-scoring so far: five of eight games have had under 2.5 goals, with the goals-per-game average of 2.5 bloated by Chelsea's 5-0 home win over Genk. Both Chelsea's away games featured under 2.5 goals (1-1 draws) and the visitors may take a defensive approach as a draw would be enough to keep them in a strong position in the group with a home game against Valencia to come on the final matchday.

Leverkusen will look at Chelsea's away performances in the group, plus their defending in recent domestic matches, and fancy their chances of claiming all three points. I expect an attacking approach from the German hosts, leading to an open match. Over 2.5 goals is 2.08, unders 1.9. I prefer the former.


Both Teams to Score?

Chelsea have conceded in both away games in the group, and are defending poorly in the Premier League. Leverkusen kept a clean sheet at home to Genk (2-0) but conceded against Valencia (2-1). They have kept clean sheets in only three of their last 13 matches.

As an alternative to over 2.5 goals, consider backing 'Yes' in the Both teams to Score? market at 1.81. 1-1 in the correct score market at 7.2 is also worth looking at.

Best Bet: Lay Chelsea @ 2.34.

Other Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 goals at 2.08.


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