Chelsea Head Arsenal In Champions League Betting

Chelsea may have been struggling for form in the league but the bookmakers still feel the Champions League trophy has more chance of ending up in the Stamford Bridge trophy room than the equivalent at the Emirates Stadium.

Their dimissal of Valencia's challenge to ensure qualification - and the robust performance from Didier Drogba - convinced the firms that the Blues should be installed as fourth favourites, with Arsenal just behind.

Both English challengers are long odds when compared to Barcelona and Real Madrid; if the draw is kind there could be an all-Spanish showdown this year. Bayern Munich are also highly favoured after coming smoothly through a tough group with one game to spare.

While Arsenal have been impressive after their early season struggles, too much depends on the form of Robin Van Persie for the Gunners to be considered likely winners-their price does make them an interesting each way bet though.

This season has the makings of a last hurrah for several members of the Chelsea squad who have come so close to victory in the past. Drogba, John Terry, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and Petr Cech have huge experience and motivation in this competition. Having said that, Barcelona have certainly moved up a level since their epic semi-final encounter in 2009 while Chelsea have fallen backwards.

For either of the English sides to reach the final a kind draw will be needed. Both have the capacity to overturn one of the big favourites but to have to get past both Spanish clubs and Bayern is more than a tall order.

Barcelona                   13/8

Real Madrid                 5/2

Bayern Munich            11/2

Chelsea                      11/1

Arsenal                       18/1

Milan                           22/1

28/1 bar

Prices from Bet 365