Chelsea hold firm to take control of semi-final

CAPITAL ONE CUP favourites Chelsea held on for a 1-1 draw at Liverpool last night to take control of their semi-final.

The Reds dominated most of the match and were rewarded by Raheem Sterling’s effort after they fell behind to a Eden Hazard penalty in the first period.

Liverpool were unable to make their dominance count and with a second leg at Stamford Bridge to come next week, the Blues are firmly in the box seat.

Steven Gerrard hit the post but they could not force a winner as Thibaut Courtois pulled off a string of fine saves.

Jose Mourinho’s side offered little up front but are 8-11 to win the trophy with Hills and Paddy Power.

Brendan Rodgers’s team are 5-1 with BoyleSports to claim their ninth success in the competition.

Harry Kane has scored in every round of the Capital One Cup Tottenham have been involved in, and he is 4-1 with bet365 to continue that scoring run by notching in either of the semi-final matches against Sheffield United – the first of which takes place at White Hart Lane tonight – and in the final on March 1.

After scoring 18 goals in all competitions this season Kane is pushing strongly for inclusion in the England squad and is 6-4 with bet365 to make Euro 2016.

Spurs have been looking to add to their firepower this month and are being linked with a move for Everton attacker Kevin Mirallas, who missed a crucial penalty in  Monday’s 0-0 draw at home to West Brom.

Ladbrokes bet on Mirallas’s club after the transfer window and go 1-2 Everton and 7-2 Tottenham.

bet365 - H Kane specials:  6-4 makes Euro 2016 squad, 4 scores in every round of Capital One Cup, 9-2 scores 20 or more league goals this season.
Ladbrokes - K Mirallas club after transfer window:  1-2 Everton, 7-2 Spurs, 5 At Madrid, 6 Borussia Dortmund, 20 bar.
Capital One Cup – best prices:  8-11 Chelsea, 13-5 Tottenham, 5 Liverpool, 33 Sheffield United.