Opta Big Match Stats: Chelsea to reward Rafa with win

Fernando Torres will be out to impress former boss Rafael Benitez

With the help of Opta, Christian Crowther predicts a win for Rafael Benitez in his first game in charge...

The last four Premier League meetings between these two sides have ended as home wins
As baptisms of fire go, this one is right up there for the incoming Rafael Benitez. The ex-Liverpool boss will take charge of his first game with barely three days to assess a shell-shocked squad likely to still be reeling from the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo. Still, there will be at least one friendly face on the training ground in compatriot Fernando Torres, whom Benitez bought to England. The facts, as Rafa would call them, are that Chelsea need a victory to keep pace with Manchester City, after stumbling of late. Luckily for him, the game is at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea are strongest and have beaten City in each of the last two seasons.

Chelsea have both scored and conceded in their last seven Premier League games
Everyone is aware of the great depth of attacking talent that Chelsea possess with players such as Torres, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar always posing threats to the opposition goal. After being left out against Juventus, Torres will be hungrier than ever to impress. However, without John Terry in their ranks, Chelsea continue to look vulnerable defensively. David Luiz appears far more suited to a midfield role and is often prone to mistakes, while his pairing with Gary Cahill seems to lack cohesion. No clean sheet in 10 games tells its own story of the Blues' defensive frailties. Even if they win, it's difficult to see them keeping the visitors at bay for the full 90 minutes. 

Carlos Tevez has scored six goals in his last six Premier League games against Chelsea
Some players seem to relish playing certain opposition and this stat confirms that it's Chelsea all the way for Carlos Tevez. One half of City's Argentine offensive, Tevez is in good form too - bagging himself a brace against Aston Villa in the champions' last Premier League game. His movement alongside Sergio Aguero is bound to cause the Chelsea's centre backs problems all afternoon.

Recommended Bets:
Back Chelsea to beat Man City @ 2.6413/8
Back both teams to score @ 1.511/2
Back Carlos Tevez to score @ 3.1511/5