Prediction: Bayern vs Chelsea

18th May 2012

The biggest game of the season in European football is scheduled for Saturday 19th May, when Bayern Munich play host to Chelsea at their Alianz Arena. The Bavarians have got an excellent chance to win the coveted trophy in front of their own fans, but their opponents can also feel confident after eliminating mighty Barcelona in the semi-finals.

This season has been a real rollercoaster ride for the German giants, who have been below par on domestic stage, but have largely impressed in Europe. Missing out on second successive Bundesliga title can be seen as a major failure, especially as it was their arch rivals Borussia Dortmund who lifted the trophy for two seasons running, while Bayern suffered a new low when they were beaten by the Millionaires in the DFB Pokal final. The 5-2 defeat was hardly a perfect introduction into the Champions League final, meaning that the Jupp Heynckes need to rally the troops quickly and get them in the best possible mood for the Chelsea game. While nobody at the club can be satisfied with the outcome of the domestic season, the reality is Bayern have been showing a lot of potential in Europe, once again proving that experience at the biggest stage do count. Two impressive showings against Real Madrid in the Champions League semis can give the team much needed boost before the clash with Chelsea, whereas the home field advantage is bound to play a part. Luis Gustavo, Holger Badstuber and David Alaba are all suspended, while Daniel van Buyten appeared for the reserves last weekend as he returned into action after four months on the sidelines.

Not too many people thought Chelsea would be able to avoid European elimination after the 3-1 defeat in the first leg of their last 16 stage tie against Napoli, but the Blues not only beat the Azzurri to a place in the quarter-finals, but went on to eliminate both Benfica and Barcelona to earn a chance to fight for the Champions League trophy. Meanwhile they clinched the FA Cup title by beating Liverpool in the final and returned into contention for a top 4 finish in the Premier League, before back to back defeats to Newcastle and Liverpool saw their top 4 chances go up in smoke. The Blues, and especially boss Roberto Di Matteo, can be delighted with what they have achieved in the second part of the season, but the feeling will be so much better if they manage to upset the odds and pip Bayern Munich to the Champions League title. That could prove to be a very difficult task with John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles all suspended, and Florent Malouda a major doubt. The good news is that Gary Cahill and David Luiz should be fit to play.

Conclusion

The mere fact Bayern have won every single Champions League game at their Alianz Arena this season shows how much home field advantage means to the Bavarians and I honestly believe they can keep their 100% record intact. Chelsea have done brilliantly to come this far, but without Terry, Ramires and Ivanovic they look destined for defeat.

Verdict: Home win Bayern (1)

Best Odds: 5/6

Bookmaker: Paddy Power