A very interesting match this evening is the FA Cup replay at Birmingham. There is usually a "bounce" in performance when a new manager takes charge - although Kevin Pullein will tell you that this typically lasts for one match! However can Di Matteo be considered a new manager? He is of course just a stand in and not a high calibre one. He was sacked from West Brom as they thought he may not be able to keep them in the Premiership. Witness the improvement under Roy H since he has taken charge at the Hawthorns.
It's all about how the "senior" players react after AVB's departure. They may play well. I'm going to take a chance that Chelsea is still in turmoil and have:
2 pts @ 11/2 Birmingham to beat Chelsea in 90 minutes with Boylesports
That is certainly a far more attractive bet than taking Chelsea at odds on right now.
ReplyDeletePersonally I don't think Di Matteo's talents or lack of them really come into it. Chelsea is a club in turmoil and these competitions have a habit of throwing up eccentric results.
What is more Birmingham certainly deserved their draw in the first match and it could be said they were unlucky not to have won.
Mark
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