Champions League
2012-05-19 - FC Bayern Munchen vs Chelsea
A Sports Betting Pick by Cruiser
Match Preview :
Chelsea travels to the Allianz Arena, the home of Bayern Munich aiming to upset the odds and become Champions for the first time ever. As it is, Bayern will want to lift the trophy in front of their home fans while Chelsea will not want another heartbreak after beating defending Champions Barcelona in an epic semi-final to reach the final.
Since taking over Chelsea back in 2003, it has clearly been Roman Abramovich's dream to win the Champions League. And eight managers has been in charge of Chelsea during his time, with the latest being Roberto Di Matteo, having replaced Andre Villas-Boas in early March at a time when Chelsea's campaign appeared to be coming apart.
Now Chelsea could lift the biggest prize in European club football - The Champions League trophy. Chelsea pulled off a great comeback in Chamopions League. Trailing 3-1 against Napoli at the halfway point of their last-16 tie, Chelsea won 4-1 in the second leg on a famous night at Stamford Bridge.
Having seen off Benfica in the quarter-finals, Chelsea then stunned reigning champions and tournament favourites Barcelona at Camp Nou as they came out 3-2 aggregate winners even after having captain John Terry sent off before half-time. Then they went on to beat Liverpool in the FA Cup to make sure that they do not finish the season empty handed. Nevertheless tomorrow's clash with Bayern Munich could determined if Di Matteo gets to keep his job or not.
Di Matteo was brough on as interim manager until the end of the season it remains to be seen who will be handed a permanent deal for the start of next term, but if the Italian can mastermind a victory in Munich it is likely he will get to keep the hot seat.
Chelsea have already been to the final and lost to Manchester United in the 2008 final. Back then John Terry missed the chance to be a hero in the penalty shootout. As it is now Chelsea needs to win the competition to make sure they will get back into the competition next season after finishing a disappointing sixth in the Premier League this season. The last and final spot was claimed by Tottenham Hotsput, but then Chelsea can push Tottenham to the Europa League if they were to beat Bayern Munich.
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich will want to win this for their fans in their home stadium. It should be noted that Bayern's home form has been a key factor behind their march to Saturday's final, having won all six of their games at the Allianz Arena. There was a 2-0 win over Manchester City in the group stage, a 7-0 crushing of Basel in the last 16 and a 2-1 victory against Real Madrid in their home leg. Bayern ultimately edged out Real on penalties at the Bernabeu and will now look to claim the biggest prize on home soil.
But Manager Jupp Heynckes, who won the Champions League with Real in 1998, has seen his Bayern side lose out to Borussia Dortmund in both the Bundesliga and most recently the German Cup. He will look to the likes of former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben, French playmaker Franck Ribery and Mario Gomez, who has scored 12 Champions League goals this term.
Team News :
Bayern Team News :
Luiz Gustavo, David Alaba and Holger Badstuber are the players who will miss this match due to suspension. Rafinha is an option to come in at full-back but Daniel van Buyten may not be fit to start in defence and Anatoliy Tymoschuk could have to play alongside Jerome Boateng in this match.
Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger are likely to play in central midfield, with Thomas Muller slightly further forward and Robben, Ribery and Gomez playing in attack.
Chelsea Team News :
Captain John Terry is unavailable for Chelsea after being sent off for kicking out at Alexis Sanchez, although he will be allowed to lift the trophy and plans to share that honour with captain for the day Frank Lampard if they win the competition. The likes of Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles will miss out as they are suspended for the final.
The good news is Gary Cahill and David Luiz will partner in defence after recovering from hamstring problems that have kept them on the sidelines. John Obi Mikel will have an important role to play alongside Lampard in midfield and Juan Mata is also sure to start. Meanwhile, Fernando Torres could start alongside Didier Drogba in attack.
Predictions :
Take this match to go over 2 1/2 goals as both sides will get on the score sheets with at least 3 goals.
The Pick :
Total Goals Over 2 1/2
BEST BETTING TIP :
Main Bet :Go for Total Goals Over 2 1/2 at 2.01 at PinnacleSports
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Consider a bet on Chelsea and accept the +3/4 ball here.
