The UEFA Super Cup is a competition between the Champions League winner (Chelsea) and the Europa League winner (Villarreal). The Champions League and the Europe League are the two biggest competitions in Europe. The Champions League is for the clubs who finished in first or near the top of their table in their Domestic League. While the clubs who finished slightly below them in the table, play in the Europa League (essentially the “B” Champions League). The competition used to played over two legs with one match taking place at home for each club. However, since 1998 the UEFA Super Cup is just one match that takes place on neutral grounds. This years match will take place in Belfast, Ireland.
Information:
- Kick-Off: 3:00 PM ET
- Location: Windsor Park in Belfast, Ireland
- Attendance: 13,000
- TV Schedule: CBS Sports Network, Paramount +
Odds:
- Chelsea (-150)
- Villarreal (+440)
- Total: 2.5 (+120/-140)
Predicted Lineups:
Chelsea: Mendy; Zouma, Thiago Silva, Rüdiger; James, Kanté, Kovačić, Alonso; Havertz, Ziyech; Werner
Villarreal: Asenjo; Foyth, Albiol, Pau Torres, Pedraza; Trigueros, Capoue, Manu Trigueros, Manu Morlanes, Alberto Moreno; Gerard, Dia
Preview:
Since 2013, the Champions League winner has only lost once in the UEFA Super Cup. Chelsea have been in the UEFA Super Cup three times since 2013, winning the Champions League in 2012 and the Europa League in 2013 and 2019. Both of these teams truly had incredible runs to win their respective Leagues. Chelsea was having an awful year, and brought in manager Thomas Tuchel who turned their season around. He implemented a defensive style of football that allowed them to slow down and control the game. Villareal also had an incredible run in the Europa League knocking off Manchester United in the final to win in penalty kicks.
This game is all about the managers finding a balance between putting out the talent required to win this game, but also keeping in mind the long term health of the team. Based off rosters, Chelsea have more talent and depth. Looking at the pre-season friendlies these cups have competed in so far, Villarreal has struggled. Given it’s not their top talent playing but, it does indicate their lack of depth. Something to keep in mind, is that Chelsea just signed Romelu Lukaku from Inter who could be available to make his first start this year for the club. Villarreal will also be without one of their top talents Samuel Chukwueze who’s still recovering from a hamstring injury.
Pick(s):
Chelsea (-150) to lift the trophy
Chelsea are in the better pre-season form and should be ready to go here. Despite the clubs lack of success in the UEFA Super Cup, I think they should win here under Tuchel’s management.
Props:
Hakim Ziyech to score (+340)
Ziyech has been in great form these pre-season matches. In their last game, he scored both their goals in a 2-2 draw vs Tottenham.
