Grant looks on the way out

Avram Grant could be on the brink of a career-defining moment in his football career.

But the bookmakers believe that even glory in Wednesday night’s Champions League final will not prevent the club dispensing with his services before the start of next season.

Ladbrokes offered 11-4 this (Monday) morning that Grant will be gone from Stamford Bridge before the start of next campaign - a remarkable price given that the Blues are only 11-10 to scoop  the glory in Russia. The Harrow-based form later cut that price to 9-4 but remain convinced that Wednesday night will be his last match in charge. He is 30-100 not to retain the reigns.

Robin Hutchison, of Ladbrokes, said: “A convincing victory may just save Grant but it looks increasingly like the club are making plans for the new season that don’t involve him. We think he’s on borrowed time.”

Meanwhile, with plenty of the pre-match talk being about players play-acting, Paddy Power have opened a market on the first player to receive the physio’s attention on the pitch.

They make Didier Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo the 8-1 joint-favourites.

Boylesports have listed six players who they regard as “bad boys” and are inviting punters to bet on which one will be booked first in normal time.

Paul Scholes in 11-2 favourite, with Wayne Rooney 6-1; Michael Essien 13-2; Drogba 7-1; Frank Lampard 8-1 and Ronaldo 8-1. The firm go 6-4 that none are cautioned.

When the pair met at Stamford Bridge last month, there were seven players booked, including Drogba. Rooney did not complete that fixture but had been booked in the two previous matches featuring the teams this season.