* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
What games are bigger in world football than an all-English Champions League final? Maybe the World Cup final and that’s about it. We should all be particularly excited for a number of reasons and whether or not two pioneers of the European Super League battling it out for supremacy is your bag, you still can’t turn away.
Will the Abu Dhabi money finally land them their most-coveted prize after years of cash injections – or will Chelsea, a side who only qualified for this tournament by the skin of their teeth after beginning the season with a manchild at the helm lift ‘ol Big Ears?
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The weird part about this final is that most people should expect Chelsea to be super competitive given their last two meetings have gone the way of the London club. But Guardiola’s allure and preparation is a wider-accepted ploy than that of Chelsea’s victories in games in which City didn’t turn up.
Some even think it’s by design. I’m not sure I agree with that, but it does feel like Pep learns from his mistakes more than any other coach in the game – and this could be his crowning glory. Here’s three best bets for the showdown in Porto.
Saturday 8pm: Manchester City v Chelsea
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Safe Bet: Man City to Win
Look, I could sit here and provide you with countless reasons as to why I believe Man City will win this game. It’ll come down to the quality in which their centre halves distribute, as well as understanding that they’ll press two of Chelsea’s back three and force them to play out on the weakest link.
But nobody’s interested in that. The bottom line here is that Tuchel’s defeat last year will have him overthinking absolutely everything, while Guardiola’s won 14 of his 15 major finals. If you want to back against a man with a 94% win rate in major finals, be my guess. I won’t be doing it. Your safe bet is Man City to Win.
Value Punt: Man City to Win to Nil
How many times have you seen smaller players make the difference in Champions League finals? Thinking back – probably Juliano Belletti in 2006 was the standout. Man City have goalscorers and creatives all over the park. They’re capable of scoring six on any given day, let alone attaching the sentiment of Sergio Aguero’s farewell.
Chelsea’s top scorer this season was Jorginho. He scored seven penalties. They don’t have big-name performers this season and that’s going to have to be addressed in the summer. But for right now? They could be in a bit of bother. I think there’s value in Man City to Win to Nil.
Long Shot: Phil Foden to be Man of the Match
I’m not joking – this boy could turn into the best midfielder in the world in two years’ time. At time of writing, Phil Foden’s currently celebrating his 21st birthday. Well, I presume he’s celebrating it. I’m not stood next to him with a balloon or anything.
Foden’s steady rise to being City’s creative director has been the story of the season in my book and given how much hype he’s producing pre-match, even an above-average performance could see Foden awarded the Man to the Match.
Tips for the Champions League final
Safe Bet: Man City to Win
Value Punt: Man City to Win to Nil
Long Shot: Phil Foden to be Man of the Match
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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