Opta Big Match Stats: Moses to lead Chelsea to glory

15May 2013

Europa Liga

Christian Crowther picks out three tips as Chelsea travel to Amsterdam to contest their second straight European final...

Chelsea have suffered just one defeat in their eight previous clashes with Portuguese opposition, winning six (including each of the last five) and drawing one

Though this is not the European final that Chelsea's players were dreaming of at the start of the season, it's one they will be going all out to win nonetheless. Their ability to focus on this task is made all the easier by wrapping up a top-four berth in the Premier League with victory over Aston Villa just ahead of this showpiece. Having produced some of their best form this season in recent weeks - culminating in five wins in their last six games across all competitions - Rafa Benitez will be adamant that his players deliver him a favourable Stamford Bridge legacy. Furthermore, Benfica have a terrible European final record, having lost their last six in a row.

Recommended Bet: Back Chelsea to win @ 2.46

Victor Moses has netted in each of Chelsea's last four Europa League games (four in four)

While Chelsea have an issue keeping clean sheets, scoring hasn't been a problem in the latter stages. The Londoners have registered at least twice in their last five Europa League outings. The actual scoring has been shared between just three different players since they made it into the quarter-finals. Fernando Torres, Victor Moses and Brazilian David Luiz have been responsible for the last 11 European goals that Chelsea have plundered. Given the doubts over Eden Hazard's hamstring holding out, Moses may well be the main beneficiary to claim one of those three attacking positions behind the lone striker.

Best Bet: Back Victor Moses to score @ 5.9

Benfica hitman Oscar Cardozo has netted five in his last five Europa League fixtures.

Six of Chelsea's eight Europa League games this season have witnessed exactly one goal going against them. These matches have only produced one clean sheet for the Blues as well, who have relied on outscoring their opponents as a general rule. This is something that will no doubt trouble Rafa, who took great pride in defensive solidarity on the continent as Liverpool boss. If anyone is going to notch this customary goal for Benfica then look no further than Oscar Cardozo, who scored the two goals that overturned a 2-1 aggregate deficit in their Europa League semi-final against Fenerbahce.

Recommended Bet: Back Oscar Cardozo to score @ 3.55