Chelsea v Man Utd……The Final Of ALL Finals
May 21, 2008 by CLDsport
UEFA Champions League Final
Venue: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Time: 7.45pm
TV: ITV1 and Sky Sports 1 and HD
With the showcase Champions League final between Chelsea and Manchester United now a matter of hours away, it seems as good a time as any to preview the match.
There has been so much talk about the quality of the pitch, Avram Grant’s and Cristiano Ronaldo’s futures at their respective clubs, and reckless tackles during training. But, none of this matters any more. What matters now is the 90 minutes of play (or 120+), and who will win the most coveted trophy in European club football.
Important Links: Official Chelsea Site | Official Man Utd Site | UEFA Website | BBC Live Text Coverage
It doesn’t matter whether this is Grant’s last game in charge at Chelsea, or indeed whether this will be Ronaldo’s final appearance in a United jersey. The state of the pitch of the pitch doesn’t matter - after all, both teams are playing under the same conditions.
Man Utd are aiming to win their 3rd European Cup, having won in 1968 and 1999. Chelsea have already beat their record in this competition having never reached the final before.
For 90 minutes, 69,500 fans and a TV audience of millions around the world will have their eyes firmly fixed on the events at the LuLuzhniki Stadium as two of Europe’s finest compete for glory.
It’s difficult to guess who the neutral will be backing this evening. Chelsea and Man Utd are possibly the two most hated clubs in the English Premier League. Of course, this may have something to do with them being the most successful clubs in recent times. The word jealousy comes to mind……
It would somehow seem fitting if Manchester United won it in the year that has marked the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, and also being exactly 40 years since they first won the competition. Some might say it’s fate. However, as England fans realised in 1996, fate doesn’t always come to fruition.
Chelsea, however, have never won this competition, and for a club as successful and wealthy as the Blues it needs to be rectified. It’s almost a travesty that this is their first appearance in a final. Roman Abramovich purchased the club with the claim that he would turn them into a Champions League winning team - and he now finds himself one win away from delivering on his promise.
If there is such a thing as an underdog in a match of this magnitude, apparently Chelsea are such. It may be difficult to understand why, but maybe a lack of European Cup trophies, and the fact that United have been buoyed by their recent Premiership title is enough. Especially as it was Chelsea that they beat to the title on the final day of the season, just 10 days ago.
Will the confidence that United have undoubtedly gained following the title win be the decisive factor in this evening’s fixture? Maybe.
On the flip-side, Chelsea will surely feel confident that they can beat the Red Devils after only conceding 2 defeats in the last 11 fixtures against them - including a 2-1 win in what COULD HAVE been the decisive match in the Premier League title race. This win was only 25 days ago.
Key Players:
Cristiano Ronaldo is arguably the best player in the world right now. Tonight is his opportunity to prove his status in front of a massive worldwide audience (not that I’m implying he NEEDS to prove anything).
Chelsea must be desperately hoping that Ashley Cole is passed fit to play after his injury sustained yesterday. Cole has handled Ronaldo expertly in recent meetings, and his loss would be a major blow to Avram Grant. News reports seem to suggest he WILL start in Russia.
Wayne Rooney will be motivated as he always seems to be. His performances have been almost ignored this season - mainly due to his team-mate Ronaldo’s fantastic achievements this term. But, Rooney cannot be ignored. His only other appearance in the Luzhniki Stadium was for England Vs Russia in EURO 2008 qualifying. With England 1-0 up Rooney gave away a penalty - admittedly a penalty that should never have been given, as it was clearly outside the box - which led to Russia’s equaliser. As we all now know, England failed to qualify for this summer’s tournament, a fact that still haunts Rooney (along with the rest of the nation).
Claude Makelele for Chelsea is a key figure as the holding midfield player. His role often goes unnoticed - but is such an important one. Makelele has to boss the midfield, allowing Lampard and in-form Ballack to work their magic either side of him.
Didier Drogba is Chelsea’s main threat in front of goal. Constantly accused of diving, there is no doubting his talent. His future may be unclear, but give him a chance in front of goal and he is almost certain to take it.
Latest Team News:
Chelsea are likely to line up as follows (4-3-3);
Petr Cech, Essien, Terry, Carvalho, A Cole, Ballack, Makelele, Lampard, J Cole, Drogba, Malouda
Manchester United (4-3-3);
Van Der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Hargreaves, Carrick, Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney, Tevez
More team news as we get it…………..
Latest Odds (SkyBet):
Man Utd to win 11/8 | Draw 2/1 | Chelsea to win 9/4
chelsea will win
Anything to add? Why do you think Chelsea will win?