The Scout: Champions League Final
Manchester City vs Chelsea
Manchester City do battle with Chelsea in an all-English Champions League Final at Porto’s Estadio do Dragao. Man City and Pep Guardiola will be looking to add to their Premier League and Carabau Cup wins this season, while Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel will take confidence from their two wins over City already this season.
City have looked invincible in Champions League play up until now. They were undefeated in their run to the final with 11 wins and a draw, easily taking care of PSG (4-1 on aggregate) in their semi-final matchup. This squad is extremely deep at all positions, overflowing with world class talent, and enter this match with no injury concerns.
Chelsea were impressive themselves en route to the final, besting Real Madrid (3-1 on aggregate) in their semi-final. The Blues though have two major injury concerns, with defensive midfielder N’Golo Kante and starting goalkeeper Edouard Mendy both in doubt, and unlikely to be at 100%.
Since their win over City on May 9, Chelsea have lost to Arsenal, Leicester (FA Cup Final) and Aston Villa. They did beat Leicester in a Premier League fixture in that span, but this is hardly the form you want to take into a Champions League Final.
Pep Guardiola has had the luxury of mixing and matching his starting XI all season, but one constant has been midfielder Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian superstar is City’s best and most important player, is deadly from set pieces, and has a habit of bobbing up in big moments. He could run amok in a game like this.
Champions League glory has eluded Manchester City up until now, and with the way this tournament has panned out, they simply won’t find a better chance at getting their hands on the trophy.
Suggested Bet: Manchester City (Match Result) @ $1.85*
Suggested Bet: Kevin De Bruyne Anytime Goalscorer @ $3.30*
Odds correct as at 10am, 27th May 2021.
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