‘He’ll be the best striker in Europe’

We are in a truly golden year of English Football. An immense title race between two of the best sides in the world (European Elo ratings suggest Man City are No.1 and Liverpool No.3 right now), and four clubs still in Europe - albeit with two looking like they are on the way out. Nevertheless, it's a terrific time to be a football fan in England.

Chelsea pick up the baton for the next exciting installment, but I have my doubts in this one, and they could join the same club Spurs and Liverpool find themselves in this week - the main threat they should be fearing is Serbian hot-shot Luka Jovic.

Not heard of him? Ask the same question in two years and I promise the answer will have changed. He's just 21, but a turbulent few season's have finally come good, and Frankfurt's sporting director Fredi Bobic has confidently claimed he will be the best striker in Europe. Frankfurt recently triggered a clause to sign him permanently from Benfica for 7 millions euros and it looks an absolute bargain after 17 goals in Bundesliga this season in just 23 starts.If he moved again this summer he'd be fetching a fee of 10 times that amount.

Frankfurt are a decent side. Exceptional no, but certainly decent. Bundesliga is no ride in the park, so to be fourth is a noteworthy achievement, and they bring plenty of form into the clash - two defeats in 20 matches in fact. Coach Adi Hutter has enjoyed considerable success in roles at RB Salzburg and Young Boys and is a name you should expect to hear a lot more about in the future as well.

Chelsea are playing in the strongest and richest division in the world of course, but recently they have won just five of their last 12 away matches in all competitions, and with all due respect, Malmo and Dynamo Kiev aren't in quite the same league as Frankfurt.

Although the Europa League is never one we particularly target for tips, our model makes Frankfurt a decent favourite in this one given home advantage, and the market disagrees - quoting Chelsea no longer than 13/8. As such, the 2/1 on the hosts is too long - available with Betfair Sportsbook, Betfred and Matchbook.

2pts Ein. Frankfurt to beat Chelsea at 2/1 (Betfair, Betfred)

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