The World Club Championship has been a much-maligned tournament over the years but a quick look at past winners suggests the competition holds greater prestige than many imagine. The likes of Barcelona, Manchester United, Inter and AC Milan have all landed the trophy in the past few years and four teams remain in contention for glory in Japan this year.
The tournament is at the business end of proceedings now as the 'big guns' arrive and it is Chelsea who are currently 4/6 odds on favourites to lift the trophy on Sunday with Bet 365. The Blues are joined by Brazilian side Corinthians (7/4), Mexican outfit Monterrey (10/1) and Egypt's Al Ahly (20/1).
Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez has plenty of experience in this tournament as he lost the 2005 final with Liverpool before winning the competition with Inter Milan in 2010. Benitez will be well versed with the format of the World Club Cup as a result and his side have the luxury of entering at the semi-final stage this week, with the Blues due to take on Monterrey in their first match on Thursday.
Benitez could do with some success this week as he bids to warm himself to the Chelsea fans after he replaced Roberto Di Matteo in such acrimonious circumstances. He finally got a first win on the board at the weekend as they beat Sunderland 3-1 in the Premier League and Fernando Torres rediscovered his old touch with a brace.
Torres is 9/2 favourite to score first against Monterrey in Yokohama on Thursday and Chelsea are 8/15 odds on favourites to win the match and book their place in Sunday's final, while Monterrey are 5/1 to cause an upset. The Mexican side secured their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 win over Ulsan Hyundai in the quarter-finals as Cesar Delgado, who is 20/1 to score first, scored two goals for the 2011/12 CONCACAF Champions League winners.
In the other semi-final on Wednesday, Corinthians take on Al Ahly in Toyata and the Brazilian side start as 4/11 odds on favourites to win the match, while the Egyptians can be backed at 7/1 with B365. Corinthians, the 2000 World Club Championship winners, look a tasty proposition in this competition and it is fair to say that they treat this tournament with far more respect than some of their European counterparts.
Before departing for Japan they were seen off to the airport by 20,000 fans and they have spent the last week acclimatising and preparing. The 2012 Copa Libertadores winners have an advantage over Chelsea in terms of preparation and they could be worth a look to go all the way and win.
Corinthians, who also enter at the semi-final stage, must of course overcome Al Ahly in their semi-final match and the Egyptian side will again look to upset the betting after they beat Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2-1 in their quarter-final match. It is their fourth World Club appearance and the 2012 CAF Champions League winners are the most successful African football club in history, although the bookies are clearly looking towards a Chelsea v Corinthians final in Yokohama on Sunday.
4/6 Chelsea
7/4 Corinthians
10/1 Monterrey
20/1 Al Ahly
Odds supplied by Bet365.com, who offer live betting in-running for every match at the 2012 World Club Championship.
Posted: Monday, 10th December 2012
Author: Chris James
Tags: fifa world club cup, chelsea, corinthians, bet365,
 | Bradford V Arsenal Odds Bantams Bid To Upset The Capital One Cup Betting Arsenal odds on favourites for quarter final tie | 10th Dec |
 | Sunderland V Reading Betting Both Sides Are In Desperate Need Of Points Two relegation candidates meet at the Stadium of Light | 10th Dec |
 | Norwich V Aston Villa Odds Canaries Can Make It An Unhappy Return For Paul Lambert Norwich even money favourites for quarter final clash | 10th Dec |
 | Fulham V Newcastle Odds Home Side Tipped For The Win At The Cottage Demba Ba can grab Newcastle’s first goal | 9th Dec |
 | Wigan V QPR Odds Tempting Odds For A Draw At DW Stadium QPR still searching for first win of the season | 7th Dec |
Headline News
 | BMW PGA Championship Betting Preview Luke Donald Is Short Odds For Three In A Row Donald Is A Two Time Defending Champion At Wentworth |
 | Rafa Benitez And Roberto Di Matteo Head The Next Stoke Manager Betting Mark Hughes Also In The Mix To Replace Tony Pulis |
 | Epsom Derby Ante Post Betting Preview Dawn Approach Even Money For Classic Glory Battle Of Marengo Leads Ballydoyle Charge |
 | Top 10 Champions League Finals Liverpools Comeback Against Milan Tops The List Bayern Munich Involved In Fair Share Of Classics |
 | Five Of The Best Championship Play Off Finals Palace And Watford Could Produce A Classic Charlton's Win Over Sunderland Is One Of The Greats |
BRAND NEW £250 free bet offer.
Open Account - Free £250 Bets With Paddypower
£25 free bet with William Hill.
Open Account - Claim £25 Free With William Hill
Up to £200 worth of free bets with Bet365.
Open Account - Claim £200 Free With Bet365
Ladbrokes are one of the highest rated online bookmakers in the UK and are a superb choice for placing your bets. You can claim a £30 free bet when opening a new account with Ladbrokes by clicking on one of the links on this site.
Once you've had your free bet Ladbrokes will credit your account with a £30 free bet.
Open Account - £30 Free Bet - Ladbrokes
The UK based bookmaker Betfred is now offering a £50 free bet for new clients.
Open Account - Free £50 Bet With Betfred
BetVictor is offering £100 in free bets to all new clients.
Open Account - Open Account - Free £100 Bets With BetVictor
Open an account with Coral and they'll match your first bet with a free bet up to the value of £50.
Open Account - £50 Free Bet with Coral
Betting Directory Twitter Feed
Those looking for some online casino entertainment ought to check out all the latest UK Casino Sign Up offers from the top operators including 32Red and many of the sports betting casinos.
There is excellent information, should you be interested in playing online blackjack, roulette, the best progressives or slots - Online Casino Betting with the best introductory offers
Bookmark This Page