Prediction: Both Teams to Score & Liverpool to Win
Odds: 13/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
The UEFA Champions League final gets underway on Saturday night as Premier League rivals, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, clash on Saturday evening.
The match itself, the first all-English European Cup final since 2008, sees the two teams aiming to end their respective waits for European glory at the home of Atletico Madrid, the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.
Tottenham Hotspur
It is scarcely believable that the North Londoners now have a genuine chance of winning the Champions League considering their troubles in the competition so far this season. Mauricio Pochettino’s troops have twice been on the verge of elimination; first notching an excellent draw at the Nou Camp in their final match of the group stages to progress through to the knockout round. They then found themselves 3-0 down on aggregate to surprise package Ajax in the semi-finals before roaring back into contention courtesy of a Lucas Moura hat-trick to win the tie via the away goals rule. Their strength this season has been their resilience though. As a matter of fact, Spurs could become the first team since Real Madrid in the 1999/00 season to win the competition having lost four games or more throughout the campaign. One aspect that has assisted them though is their clinical forward line. Tottenham have scored in every European game this season except one. They head into this game aiming to lift their first European trophy the UEFA Cup against Anderlecht in 1984, however should they win in Madrid, it would become their first-ever success in the European Cup.
Team News
Most of the headlines coming into the game will be surrounding star striker Harry Kane. The forward has been previously been struggling with an ankle injury but could feature after returning to training. Dele Alli and Jan Vertonghen could also be included following their recoveries from various problems. Danny Rose has been another to be passed fit following a hamstring injury and he could line up against Davinson Sanchez in defence after he too has managed to shake off a thigh problem. However, midfielder Harry Winks remains a slight doubt having not featured in a matchday squad since mid-April.
Liverpool
Much like Tottenham, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side required a stunning comeback in order to book their place in their second consecutive Champions League final. Coming into their semi-final second-leg against Barcelona, the Reds were 3-0 down but shocked Ernesto Valverde’s men with a stunning 4-0 win at Anfield as Divock Origi and Georginio Wijnaldum scored two goals each. It was also a similar story in the group stages as losses to Paris Saint Germain and Red Star Belgrade saw them threatened with elimination, only for a huge 1-0 win against Napoli to drag them through. It goes without saying then that the Champions League title could go a long way in making up for the disappointment of missing out on the Premier League crown to Manchester City this season. The Reds have not won a European trophy of any kind since the 2005 UEFA Super Cup. As a matter of fact, they are hoping to make sure they don’t make it three consecutive losses in UEFA competition finals in which they have featured following last year’s defeat to Real Madrid and the loss to Sevilla in the final of the UEFA Europa League three years ago.
Team News
Luckily for the Reds, they have a relatively clean bill of health. Andrew Robertson and Roberto Firmino were slight doubts but look likely to play after recovering from a calf and groin strain respectively. The only confirmed absentee is midfielder Naby Keita who is suffering with an adductor injury.
Key Facts To Consider
- Liverpool have the far better all-time head-to-head record between the two sides (W82, D42, L48)
- The Reds won both clashes in the Premier League between the two this season 2-1
- In eight out of the last ten Champions League finals, both teams have found the back of the net
- This match will be Jurgen Klopp’s fourth European final – he is yet to win a single one
- Harry Kane has had a hand in seven goals (five goals, two assists) in his last nine appearances against Liverpool
Conclusion
This match really is mouth-watering. It goes without saying that both teams will be giving their all to lift the trophy in Madrid, especially with no more club football to be played. Both teams have also had a considerable break since the end of the Premier League season so fans could potentially be treated to an entertaining clash without fatigue. Goals could be a feature but Liverpool’s experience of recent European finals should see them through.
Prediction: Both Teams to Score & Liverpool to Win
Odds: 13/5
Bookmaker: Bet365
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
