For those not familiar with soccer, the UEFA Champions League (UCL) is a competition between the winners of the top-flight leagues in Europe including some runner-ups. The Champions League is tournament that begins with a round robin group stage to qualify for a double-legged knockout format, and a single leg final. There has been drama in the UCL this year as Chelsea, Manchester City, and other large clubs across Europe proposed the “European Super League” that would essentially replace the UEFA Champions League. This league was ultimately disbanded due to the feedback of the fans and critics. Chelsea and Manchester City are now facing fines for backing this breakaway league.
We have a battle between two English Premier League (EPL) teams for the biggest trophy in Europe. Chelsea (CHE) will take on Manchester City (MCI) in what will be the third all English Final since 2008. Manchester City will be looking to win their first Champions League trophy, while Chelsea won back in 2012 upsetting Bayern Munich in penalty kicks. This will be Chelsea’s third time in the Champions League Final, while this will be Manchester City’s first.
Information:
- Kick-Off: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Estadio do Dragao in Porto, Portugal
- Attendance: 12,000
- TV Schedule: CBS, Paramount +
Odds:
- Chelsea (+350)
- Manchester City (-115)
- Draw (+250)
- Total: 2.25 (+100/-120)
Preview:
Manchester City are coming off a fantastic campaign in England, winning the Premier League handedly. On the contrary, Chelsea lost their final EPL match vs Aston Villa on Sunday. The Blues still managed to secure the last spot in the top four due to Leicester City’s 4-2 loss to Tottenham. Manchester City and Chelsea have faced each other three times this season, twice in the EPL and once in FA Cup. Chelsea have most recently won the past two fixtures, 1-0 in the FA Cup Semi Finals and 2-1 in the Premier League. Chelsea would go onto lose the FA Cup Final against Leicester City by a score of 1-0. City come into the UCL Final with an 11-1 record, defeating PSG 4-1 on aggregate in the Semi’s. Chelsea defeated Real Madrid 3-1 on aggregate in the Semi Finals.
Manchester City are a complete team that can break down the opposition in a variety of ways. They have a strong backline and are led up front by Kevin De Bruyne, an ex Chelsea player. De Bruyne is tied for second in the UCL in assists only behind Juan Cuadrado of Juventus. City have play an attacking style of football which is shown through the number of total attempts and attempts on targets. They rank #2 in total attempts and #1 in attempts on target in team statistics in the UCL.
Ever Since Thomas Tuchel’s takeover as manager of Chelsea, the club has transitioned from an attacking style of play which Frank Lampard liked to play, to a possession style that Tuchel prefers. Timo Werner of Chelsea who was acquired in the off season, after their transfer ban expired has struggled to say the least. He’s been under constant criticism from the fans for his lack of goals and inability to finish. The Blues average a merely 1.3 goals per game which shows how much they rely on their defense. Their backline has primarily won them their games that’s captained an incredible keeper in Edouard Mendy.
Pick(s):
- Under 2.50 (-150)
The Champions League Final is historically low scoring and even more so when it features two EPL teams. The last two UCL Finals have gone under 2.5, one which featured all an English Final. Chelsea and Manchester City both concede 0.3 goals per game which is extremely low. Chelsea have only conceded more than 2 goals in one match since Tuchel took over. Under Tuchel’s reign, Chelsea have kept a clean sheet in 72% of their matches. Even with such a low total here, I like the under in this matchup based on both teams style of play.
Props:
- Highest Scoring Half: 2nd Half (+115)
- Exact Score: Draw 1-1 (+625)
