Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is on the hunt for yet another new manager after sacking Roberto Di Matteo. The Russian billionaire has shown his ruthless side once more as Di Matteo, who won the Champions League and FA Cup last season, was given the chop following a run of two wins in eight games, with Rafa Benitez the early favourite in the next Chelsea manager betting.
Pep Guardiola has also been touted for the job, with Bet Victor pricing him 10/3, and Abramovich is a big admirer of the Spaniard. The former Barcelona manager is currently on a year-long sabbatical from football in New York though and he isn't due to meet with his agent until next month to discuss his future.
It isn't a certainty that Guardiola would want the job anyway and Rafa Benitez would appear to be a possible solution, with Victor Chandler making him the 4/6 favourite to take over at Stamford Bridge. Benitez actually turned down a short-term deal to replace Andre Villas-Boas at Chelsea last season but he has been without a club since losing his job at Inter in 2010 and he is known to want to return to management in England.
Di Matteo was the man that became the short-term fix when Villas-Boas was sacked in March and he immediately delivered the competition that Abramovich sought most - the Champions League. The Russian had no choice but to give him the job on a full-time basis in May and things had looked bright at the start of the 2012/13 season but a run of two wins in eight has seen Chelsea drop to third in the Premier League.
The straw that broke the camel's back was Chelsea's 3-0 defeat to Juventus in Group E of the Champions League though and they now need to beat Nordsjaelland and hope Juve lose to Shakhtar if they are to avoid become the first defending champions to fail to get out of their group the following season.
There is clearly no room for sentiment at Chelsea but there are a couple of managers that would represent sentimental solutions. Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is a 33/1 chance to return to the club where he enjoyed such success and he remains as popular as ever with fans. He is a keen on a return to England but he has enjoyed a fine spell with Real Madrid and his relationship with Abramovich had deteriorated significantly by the end of his spell at Stamford Bridge.
Another former boss is in the mix as Guus Hiddink is priced 40/1 after he won the FA Cup with Chelsea during a caretaker spell in charge in 2009. The Dutchman enjoys a good relationship with Abramovich but it may be difficult to prize him away from a lucrative contract at big-spending Russian club Anzhi.
Avram Grant also enjoys a good relationship with Abramovich and he could be worth a look at 25/1 with Victor Chandler. Grant wouldn't be the most popular of picks with fans but he could represent a short-term fix until a 'big name' like Guardiola becomes available. Meanwhile, the likes of Harry Redknapp (2/1) and Fabio Capello (66/1) are names that have been mentioned but it is Benitez who leads the way with bookies.
4/6 Rafa Benitez
2/1 Harry Redknapp
10/3 Pep Guardiola
25/1 Avram Grant
33/1 Jurgen Klinsmann
33/1 Jose Mourinho
33/1 David Moyes
33/1 Nicolas Anelka
40/1 Frank Lampard
40/1 Guus Hiddink
66/1 Fabio Capello
66/1 Dennis Wise
66/1 Laurent Blanc
66/1 Cesare Prandelli
66/1 Dan Petrescu
100/1 BAR
Odds supplied by BetVictor.com, who provide a variety of football specials betting markets.
Posted: Wednesday, 21st November 2012
Author: Chris James
Tags: chelsea manager, rafa benitez, pep guardiola, victor chandler,
 | Arsenal V Montpellier Odds Back Giroud To Score In An Arsenal Win The Gunners short priced favourites at the Emirates | 20th Nov |
 | Manchester City V Real Madrid Betting Spanish Giants To Overpower Mancinis Suspect Defence Jose Mourinho's men to secure Group D qualification with win | 20th Nov |
 | Anderlecht V AC Milan Odds Low Scoring Draw Could Be On The Cards In Belgium Both sides can still qualify from Group C | 20th Nov |
 | Ajax V Borussia Dortmund Odds Back A Score Draw In The Amsterdam Betting Robert Lewandowski looks to continue fine form | 20th Nov |
| Dynamo Kiev V PSG Odds Ibrahimovic Looking To Continue Hot Streak Crucial Group A Match For Qualification Hopes | 20th Nov |
Headline News
 | Contributer Heads The Betting For Goodwoods Cocked Hat Stakes Dee Stakes Runner Up Takes His Chance In Listed Contest |
 | Mens French Open Tennis Betting Preview Nadal Odds On For Title Number 8 At Roland Garros Novak Djokovic Second Favourite In The Latest Betting |
 | Epsom Derby Ante Post Betting Preview Dawn Approach Even Money For Classic Glory Battle Of Marengo Leads Ballydoyle Charge |
 | England V New Zealand 2nd Test Odds Anderson Can Bowl Home Side To Victory At Headingley England Odds On For Second Test Match |
 | Carl Froch V Mikkel Kessler Betting Preview Froch Odds On For Victory In London Epic Bout Expected At The O2 Arena On Saturday Night |
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