Champions League Final Selections

Man Utd v Chelsea

Champions League Final

Wednesday, 7.45pm (UK time)

Manchester United will be hoping to inflict a double heartache on Chelsea by adding the Champions League crown to the Premiership trophy in Moscow on Wednesday. Chelsea will obviously be doing their level best to stop this from happening – and there are several good reasons to believe they might be successful.

The Blues are out to make history of their own by winning their first European Cup in their maiden final appearance. In fact, they will become the first London team in history to take the Champions League if they emerge victorious on the night.

Both sides edged through tense semi-finals, with United scraping past Barcelona 1-0 and Chelsea requiring extra-time to see off their old European nemesis Liverpool. The bookies make United slight favourites at 6/4 but we think there is value in backing Chelsea here.

Chelsea have still been extremely strong in Europe this term. Avram Grant’s side have only been defeated once in the competition and have only shipped seven goals in 12 games themselves.

Since a 2-1 quarter-final reverse in Fenerbache, they have embarked on a nine-game unbeaten run which includes beating their opponents 2-1 at Stamford Bridge in April.

In fact, the Blues’ recent record over United will give them real cause for optimism. The Champions have won just two of their last 10 games against Chelsea, with a paltry seven goals mustered during that time.

Given that these are two of the best defences in Europe it would seem logical to get on under 2.5 goals. Four of the last five meetings between these sides have seen less than 2.5, including two goaless draws. Moreover, no United games since the group stages has yet to see over 2.5 (six in a row) and just two of Chelsea’s knockout ties have seen over 2.5 goals. But at 1/2 on under 2.5 goals you are not going to get rich.

On this basis the value might be to bet on scenarios that give Chelsea the edge in a low-scoring encounter.


Betting Recommendations:
2pts on Chelsea to win at 2/1
1pt on Chelsea to win 1-0 at 6/1 or better