Bruce Vail
For the second time in three years we have an all-English Champions league final set. On Saturday May 29, we will see Premiere League clubs Chelsea and Manchester City square off in what certainly will be a quality filled final. But how did we get here?
Chelsea fought their way to the final while having to endure a managerial change mid-season along with figuring out how to piece together a new cast of characters like Timo Werner and Kai Havertz. With the combination of poor coaching and untapped chemistry, it certainly has taken some time for the London side to come into form. But since Thomas Tuchel was appointed Chelsea manager back in January, Chelsea has revamped into one of the most well-rounded teams in Europe, at one point having been unbeaten in 13 straight matches since Tuchel took over, a club record. While this is certainly uber impressive, what’s more impressive has been Chelsea’s record against Manchester City this season. Chelsea is 2-1 against City this year having dropped the first meeting in the Premiere League 3-1, but having won the past 2 matchups, winning 1-0 in the FA cup semi-finals and completing a 2-1 comeback victory this past weekend to cap off an impressive spell against the Premiere League leaders. While Chelsea may have been no where near one of the betting favorites to make it to the Champions League final, they certainly deserve to be here.
Manchester City enter into the Champions League final as one of Europe’s most destructive teams. They have all the pieces that make up a powerhouse. Goal attacking up front, solid mid-field play, a more balanced defense than in years past and world class goalkeeping. It’s only a matter of days before Pep Guardiola’s side clinches another Premier League title, their third in four years, but this will be the first time his Man City side will see the UEFA Champions league final.
Currently, Manchester City are the odds on favorite to take home the Champions League trophy at -195 while Chelsea sit at +155. The final is still a couple weeks away so we will be closely monitoring any odds shifts. I’ll have a more in-depth preview leading up to the match.
Odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook.
You can follow Bruce Vail on Twitter (@BruceJVail) and e-mail him at [email protected].
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