Chelsea needed a winner with virtually the last kick of the game to seize victory last Thursday but in truth they should have wrapped up the match, if not the tie, much earlier such was their dominance. They appeared to be cruising until the referee inexplicably awarded a penalty to Basel, which they duly converted, and at 1-1 with momentum on their side the home team could have pressed on to nick a winner.
Justice was done though when David Luiz slotted home a late, late free-kick and now the betting odds on Chelsea to qualify are just 1/12, whilst the Swiss side can be backed at the hefty price of 7/1. At those odds we aren’t tempted by either side but looking to the 90 minute betting there could be a little value in the draw.
A stalemate would see the home side progress and give the Blues a chance of completing a Champions League/Europa League double in consecutive seasons. The betting odds for the draw are 7/2 with Bet365 and given Basel drew 2-2 at Spurs and looked very dangerous that looks a decent price. If you suspect Chelsea to complete a professional job then backing them to win to nil is a decent option but we expect the away side to give them a fright or two along the way.