CL Final: Bayern München vs Chelsea [P+R]

[Mandieta6]

With a few days to go, it sounds like we're looking at this, hopefully:

Cech
Boginwa-Cahill-Luiz-Cole
Mikel-Lampard
Sturridge-Mata-Kalou
Drogba

Neuer
Lahm-Tymoschuk-Boateng-Contento
Schweinsteiger-Kroos
Robben-Muller-Ribery
Gomez

I assume Sturridge will be favoured over Torres and played on the right up against the weaker Contento with the better-defensively Kalou up against Lahm.

That doesn't look that bad, Bayern are favorites, but I can see some areas where we could have an edge, such as Mata's movement against the German double-pivot and Drogba in the air against the CBs, Tymo especially, but I might be wrong. Ribery against Bosingwa is very worrying though.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Robben can exploit space left behind Cashley too. But TBH, this will just look like 90% of Bayern's games. Bayern with 68% of the possession, not getting pressed, but unable to score. Lose 1-0 in the 90th minute on a fluke and a blunder by the defense and Neuer.

 

[Seán D]

Cahill and Luiz is a dangerous combination. Add in Boswinga and it could be a disaster for Chelsea.

I can't see Chelsea overcoming Bayern. I'm going for 2-0 with Robben and Gomez scoring.

 

[MaestroZidane]

With Newcastle not having gotten fourth place, I hope Chelsea win. So you better not disappoint

 

[Back Door Skip]

Tottenham being left without CL would be very fitting, but I'm not quite convinced that's enough to root for Chelsea.

 

[Mandieta6]

Tomorrow's the big day, I'm very excited.

The general consensus of what I've seen is:

I think each side has the beating of the other on some battles across the pitch, those being:

Neuer vs. Cech

Tymo & Boateng vs. Drogba

Cahill & Luiz vs. Gomez

Lahm vs. Kalou

Contento vs. Sturridge/Torres

Cole vs. Robben

Bosingwa vs. Ribery

Schweini & Kroos vs. Mata

Mikel & Lamps vs. Muller

Obviously this is simplified, since players move around and pitch in, but generally, each pairing has players most likely to be responsible for each other together (except for the keepers, obviously).

What do you guys think about this? Who will beat who? Which will beat the key battles? And most meaninglessly, if each battles winner got his team 1 point, which team wins?

 

[Filipower]

Barça should edge this.

 

[Arnau]

No Chelsea logo in the second image

 

[ArgVega]

I vote 1-1 and penalties, with Robben missing the third penalty and Terry slipping and missing the fifth, then Bayer win in sudden death when Torres misses !!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mandieta6]

Terry is suspended.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

I'm still holding out hope that Lahm will play on the left and Rafinha will get the start over Contento.

 

[ArgVega]

Terry is suspended.

Well ****, Chelsea can't lose then.

 

[Mandieta6]

Why isn't Rafinha the 1st contingency plan?

 

[Arnau]

I have decided i'll be rooting for Chelsea because Lampard and Drogba can't quit football without CL glory and tomorrow is probably their last chance.

 

[Arnau]

Very touching

 

[ARIAGA II]

That's the only time I remember wanting Chelsea to score.

It's still Die Bayern for me.

 

[Mandieta6]

That was a pretty special moment.

 

[MaestroZidane]

You make a good point, Arnau. Yet anothet reason Chelsea get my vote

 

[ShiftyPowers]

Why isn't Rafinha the 1st contingency plan?

Lost his job to Alaba, and they always make a big production about Lahm having to switch sides. Rafinha did a really good job at the beginning of the year when Robben was injured, but I just don't think Heynckes thinks its wise to play him with Robben. Neither is exactly good at defense.

I've always liked Contento for whatever its worth. I think he crosses a really nice ball which could be more important in this game than Alaba's ability to keep possession.

 

[Arnau]

Torres and Mata has never lost a final (Club, national team and youth national team).