Chelsea vs Morecambe preview: Free betting tips, odds and predictions for FA Cup

CHELSEA return to action on Saturday when they clash with League Two strugglers Morecambe in the FA Cup third round at Stamford Bridge.

SunSport betting experts have previewed the contest and selected the best bets, tips and exclusive sign-up bonuses from our leading betting partners.

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Chelsea vs Morecambe preview

Chelsea welcome Morecambe to Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon in what should be a well-timed and routine encounter for Enzo Maresca’s side.

The Blues had been considered Liverpool’s closest rivals for the Premier League title only a few weeks ago following a run of eight-consecutive wins in all competitions.

But they’ve stuttered of late having failed to win any of their last four top-flight matches.

The run started with a stalemate at Goodison Park against Everton before suffered defeats to Fulham and Ipswich Town, before a 1-1 draw with London rivals Crystal Palace.

So Saturday could be viewed as an ideal fixture for some of Maresca’s side to recharge their batteries or find their form.

Maresca has incredible strength in depth at Chelsea, and he’s expected to rotate for the visit of the League Two strugglers.

Despite a good run in the competition after victories over Worthing and Bradford City, the Shrimps are sat 23rd in the division and facing a very tricky relegation battle to preserve their EFL status.

This is just the second competitive meeting between Chelsea and Morecambe, with the Blues winning an FA Cup third round tie in January 2021 previously.

Chelsea vs Morecambe preview betting odds

• Chelsea 1/25 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

• Draw 14/1 with Betfred – CLAIM HERE

• Morecambe 45/1 with BetMGM – CLAIM HERE

Odds are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.

Chelsea vs Morecambe preview betting tips and predictions

Routine

Chelsea should score a handful of goals against their League Two opponents, who’ve conceded 39 goals in 24 league outings this season – the fourth worst defensive record in the division.

They’ve lost all three of their FA Cup matches against Premier League opposition by an aggregate score of 10-1, while Chelsea have progressed from 35 of their last 36 FA Cup ties against sides from a lower division, including each of the last 20 in a row.

• Chelsea to score Over 4.5 Goals at 7/5 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

Strike early

There’s not a great deal of value in this encounter given the disparity between the two sides, but a goal scored between kick-off and the 15th minute looks interesting at 29/20 with William Hill.

The Blues are vastly superior to their opponents, who lost 4-0 in this fixture back in January 2021. Chelsea should hit the ground running given their “weaker” side has played together several times in the Conference League.

• Time Of 1st Goal – 1st to 15th Minute at 29/20 with William Hill – CLAIM HERE

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