UCL FINAL PREVIEW: 2020/21

All too soon the end has come, Chelsea and Manchester have defied all odds and one of both is waiting to obtain full rights to the coveted European trophy. 

Here, at kobysportsupdate.blogspot.com Carl(@carlagyemangbb), Derrick(@tenyo_derrick) and Charles(@Prince_Chvrles) discuss the chances for either side. 

Carl makes a return from the semi final and is blue through and through. Derrick is a certified Citizen and Charles is a Manchester United fan - very much the neutral here. 

Let's follow on as we discuss the five talking points for our preview of the UCL finals tonight. 

The UCL finals? Happy with the progress of both teams?

Carl: I must say I am elated with the progress of my club, Chelsea. Chelsea has been shaky in other competitions but were always strong in CL, even under Lampard - that famous win against Sevilla away from home. 

After a change of manager, the success of Chelsea in the CL never dwindled: wins against ATM, Porto and Madrid. This will surely make me excited to see them in the final. For City, they have had all kinds records on their way to the final, and I am happy Pep is finally in another final considering the fact he couldn’t even do it with Bayern. This will mean everything to him.

Derrick: I am very happy for City's progress since it is their first and also for Chelsea because of the young guys in the team. I liked the comeback performances Pep pulled up in the quarter and semi finals which showed they won't back down when they're down.

Charles: I think both teams deserve to be in the finals. They faced tough teams and won convincingly. Chelsea beat the Spanish league champions and runners up as well and a team that came runners up to a very resilient Sporting side. Manchester City arguably had the easier route but you can only beat what's put before you and they did.

Manchester City here for the first time, 3rd time we have a maiden club in the finals in 3 consecutive years (Spurs, PSG, now City). Do you think City can make it after failed attempts from the previous two?

Carl: For the past two decades, I think it’s mostly a first time lesson in the final and on another attempt; the ultimate trophy to take home. Chelsea suffered it, Arsenal suffered it, PSG suffered the same fate. Spurs have been a victim. City can be a victim too but they can as well make history.

Derrick: It's been on my mind but this team has been through it all for the past few years and have been prepared for this moment. Whiles the odds are against us, Chelsea did it in 2012 against Bayern when everybody said they will be eliminated so City has a big chance to win it.

Charles: Deservingly so. Just like PSG the champions league trophy is the only trophy that has eluded the Mancunian club since its rise this past decade. They have worked to get here and it's a dream come true. They will be hoping to win with the first attempt. With all the superstitions going around this Chelsea team, one could argue a 3rd time lucky strike for a maiden finalist. That's if you believe in superstitions😅.

Discussing tactics? Key Action areas for both sides.

Carl: Chelsea have beaten Man City twice in the last three games, in all competitions, but it has been argued out that during those games City never had its strongest line up. Pep learns form a defeat, and I know he has learned around this.

In their last encounter KDB, Foden, Mahrez, Gundogän, Stones, Walker (wow! What a squad) were all missing in the line up. I am sure these players will be present in the starting line up this time around since they have all been the best in their respective positions on the field. Pep will unleash the magnificent KDB, the exciting-to-watch Foden, and the threatening Mahrez. These guys will make it difficult for Tuchel and his boys tonight.

For Chelsea, they have benefited from the brilliance of Havertz-Werner-Pulisic trio in the journey so far. Not playing with a typical no.9 has been helpful for Havertz and his teammates. This makes it difficult for the CB to know whom to even mark out. Their second strength has been Ngolo Kante who mostly steals the show on a good day. Undoubtedly, the most enviable and admired player, Ngolo Kante brings on board what no Blues midfielder can bring. I am sure Pep will devise a plan for him, because Madrid lost their games due to the effective movements of this never-tiring midfielder. 

The two goal keepers with the most clean sheets in this competition will definitely prove their importance to their teams.

Derrick: Chelsea under Tuchel have won their games in the first 45 mins so they need make their impact felt as soon as possible. City are a team that can strike at anytime.

Charles: Chelsea is a solid club tactically. Most people call Tuchel's team defensive but this team creates enough chances to win games. With 3.2 big chances created per game and 21% conversion rate which is higher than Man City's 20% in this season champion's league. However, in their last 5 games in all competitions they've scored a maximum of 2 goals in each game and have lost 3/5 despite conceding twice only once in 5 games. Chelsea creates enough chances to win and they just need their goal scorers to be firing because Pep's team will be watching previous games well determined to solve their issues of chance creation against this well drilled Chelsea side. Regardless this Chelsea side has proven twice this season they can beat Pep's City (3rd time lucky here too?)

Repeat or Revenge? 3rd time for Tuchel or Pep redeems himself?

Carl: To beat a coach three consecutive times, and for that matter a world-class coach in Pep, is a difficult hurdle. Pep won’t give in for a third ‘beating’. Tuchel wants to win the trophy he failed to win just a season ago. I see it to be Tuchel driving on the motivation for being there before, so it will go to him.

Derrick: Revenge. Last season Pep lost twice against Wolves and destroyed them this season. Pep will be going for the kill with his soldiers on this evening.

Charles: This is tough!!! Who wants to lose a final huh? Only two managers have ever done the 3 peat over Pep and that's a club Thomas Tuchel would be relishing to join. However, I think if Pep doesn't overthink his tactics as per, the revenge should be his. Notwithstanding Chelsea is a tough side to beat and we should see a tactical masterclass come tomorrow.

Predictions everyone, who wins? (Tough huh?)

Carl: Really tough, A slim win for Chelsea.

Derrick: I am going to stay bias. City to win it. 

Charles: Tough is an understatement😅😅 Chelsea lead the H2H with 70 wins compared to Man City's 59. In the battle of coaches, Pep leads Tuchel 4:2. Just like the 2 previous games this season, I expect this game to be a low scoring encounter. I think Pep edges it and I am going for a 2:1 City win.

Derrick looks like the man of few words here. Charles managed to stay neutral till his Mancunian blood took effect. Carl spelling out why his team deserve their second UCL trophy. 

The finals, is here. Prepared for it? Live reactions on Twitter during the game. @Ofori_KeV