Chelsea’s long wait for the champions league could very much be over this Saturday, as they see themselves inches from European glory. However, between them and glory waits a Bayern side with the home advantage, could it once again be too big a frontier for Chelsea, or are they destined for infinity and beyond?
Roberto de Matteo has done wonders for Chelsea this season, bringing them from potentially crashing out at the last 16, to one victory away from glory. Despite this, a poor 6th position in the premier league has caused his chances of keeping the job to be questioned by many. Rumours circling the footballing world suggest that only the champions league would be enough to secure Di Matteo his job as Chelsea manager.
Chelsea have gotten this far on numerous occasions before and have failed to finish the job, most notably against manchester united in 2008, when a memorable John Terry penalty slip gave united the champions league.If the same situation occurs, Bayern would be hot favourites to steal due to the phsycological factor of losing before, as well as bayern having the home support that can prove to be all the difference.
The obvious solution therefore, is that Chelsea must finish the job within 90 minutes. The blues old guard face their last realistic chance at European glory, while Di Matteo must win if Abramovic is to let him off the hook- quite literally.
But can they beat the bavarians who have both experience in champions league finals, in their players and in their manager?The bavarians have likewise been unable to go the extra mile, with memorable losses to Manchester united, Real Madrid and Inter Milan in champions league finals. Both teams have felt the full force of suspensions, with both sides having to field weakened defences, Chelsea notably without john Terry and bayern without Philip Lahm. But which side is able to pull together and pull off the decisive victory which is sure to go down in either clubs history and remembered for years to come by their relative fans, either as a glorious chance missed, or the greatest moment of their lives.
So, my prediction? Chelsea seem to hold the upper hand as despite suspensions, their defence looks considerably stronger than Bayern’s. Both clubs will go into the game feeling confident, after both knocked out the Spanish giants to get here. Chelsea need to win it the most, as they not only failed to qualify for the champions league, but for many of their players it is their last chance. Di Matteo has his job and reputation on the line, compared to the bavarians, who don’t hold any of these worries. Chelsea will therefore feel more of the pressure, but I predict the likes of the in form torres and drogba to be too much forth makeshift bayern side.
My prediction – Chelsea 3-2 Bayern Munich.