We’ve spent this week building up to the Champions League Final and we’re finally getting close. On Saturday Chelsea and Manchester City will walk out onto the Estádio do Dragão pitch in Porto, to contest the biggest game in club football. But who will be walking out in full kit and who will be consigned to the bench? Let’s predict some line-ups.
Chelsea
Chelsea’s concern this week has been with getting key players N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy fit for Saturday. The news is positive, with both players back in training and likely to feature.
Thomas Tuchel confirms that both Kante & Mendy are fit to face Manchester City tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/GPkaei8nlB
— Frank Khalid OBE (@FrankKhalidUK) May 28, 2021
Most of this Chelsea side picks itself at the moment, but there are a couple of close calls. One of them is at left wing-back, with Marcos Alonso scoring the winner at the Etihad, but expect Ben Chilwell to retain his place. The Englishman is quicker and more defensively sound.
The rest of the defence are all in great form, while Mateo Kovacic’s return from injury has probably come a little too late to break the Kante-Jorginho partnership in midfield.
There’s a tricky call further up the pitch, with Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic battling it out for that third attacking position, next to Mason Mount and Timo Werner. Ziyech is likely to win that fight – the Moroccan scored the winner against City in the FA Cup and works hard off the ball. Pulisic may have to make do with a role off the bench.
"Goalkeeper: Edouard MendyDefenders: Reece James, Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, Ben ChilwellMidfielders: N’Golo Kante, JorginhoForwards: Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Mason Mount"
Manchester City
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Predicting a Man City line-up is practically an extreme sport. Pep Guardiola rotates his squad constantly and is well known for springing unexpected tactical changes in big European games.
Despite that, Kyle Walker is likely to be in from the start, with his pace key for dealing with Timo Werner. John Stones has had a great season so it would be harsh to leave him out – he’ll partner Ruben Dias.
Joao Cancelo is another who’s been too brilliant this year to be warming the bench, so don’t be surprised to see him at left-back.
In midfield, Fernandinho’s battle with Mount will be resumed, but the prolific Ilkay Gundogan is City’s only injury scare. If he’s not fit, he’s likely to be replaced by the more conservative Rodri.
Gündogan appears to signal discomfort in his right thigh before leaving the training session...😬
— City Chief (@City_Chief) May 28, 2021
[via @mcfctj_]https://t.co/37XQNn1Iox
Kevin De Bruyne is an obvious choice, but Pep may surprise everyone and keep faith with Raheem Sterling. That would leave the in-form Phil Foden and Riyad Mahrez to provide the width. Bernardo Silva would be unfortunate to miss out, as would club legend Sergio Aguero, but the Champions League Final is no place for sentiment.
"Goalkeeper: EdersonDefenders: Kyle Walker, John Stones, Rueben Dias, Joao CanceloMidfielders: Fernandinho, Rodri, Kevin De BruyneForwards: Riyad Mahrez, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden"
Who do you think wins the Champions League? Let us know in the comments below!