Atletico Madrid v Chelsea Predictions, Betting Tips and Previews

Wanda Metropolitano - Champions League

Chelsea’s 6-0 stroll over Qarabag in their Champions League opener will seem like a pre-season friendly compared to the heat of a night against Atletico Madrid. Antonio Conte’s side face what is likely to be their toughest group game and this and the Stamford Bridge return could determine who tops Group C.

Past Meetings

The clubs last met in 2013-14, when Chelsea earned a goalless draw in Madrid but lost 1-3 at Stamford Bridge. A year earlier Atletico won 4-1 in the Super Cup final while in 2009-10 there was a 2-2 draw in Madrid and a big 4-0 win for Chelsea in their first meeting.

Team News

Competition for places at Chelsea means even skipper Gary Cahill isn’t sure of a place in the side for the big game in Madrid. Sub at Stoke at the weekend Cahill could come back into the team but with David Luiz available, as his current suspension covers domestic games only, and the excellent form of Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger, Cahill might miss out.

Not able to play is Diego Costa as he cannot appear until January but the former Chelsea striker will be able to take a close look at the man who replaced him, Alvaro Morata, who has six goals in as many games.

Atletico Madrid v Chelsea Preview and Predictions

Chelsea are 71/25 to win the match with Atletico 6/5 and the draw 58/25

Despite the attacking talent on show the game is unlikely to be high-scoring - big head-to-heads in the early stages of the group are likely to be cagey. Antonio Conte is very pragmatic and would see a draw as a good result, as perhaps would Diego Simeone. Chelsea will certainly need all of their toughness in defence and midfield against an Atletico side that will always battle until the last, thanks to the influence of the inspirational Cholo.

With Morata able to run at defences on his own and support from the likes of Pedro, Willian and Hazard Chelsea will always pose a threat and it would not be beyond them to win. You can get 9-1 on a 1-0 win for Chelsea and 6-1 is available on a 1-1 draw.

Antoine Griezmann is 22/5 to open the scoring and show his talent against the Premier League’s best. Kevin Gameiro is 5/1 with Alvaro Morata 11/2.

Recommended Bets

Go for a goalless draw at 15/2

Some of the world’s best attacking talent could meet its match with some of its best defenders and astute tacticians.

Atletico to win 1-0 at 6/1

Should Atletico get ahead they are masters at shutting up shop and protecting what they hold.