Champions League Final | Pre-Match Thread

[warringtonblue]

The difficult aspect of this final is that Chelsea set up with five across the back but have such pace up top.

All their defenders are v comfortable in possession and in Jorge Jorginho they have someone who's excellent at passing through the lines.

I fear that pressing them high isn't the way to go as it enables you to be hit on the break with long balls to Werner and Pulisic.

My concern ahead of Saturday is that we become too narrow in our attacking play, Mahrez for example cutting inside will be running into a congested space.

I wonder if City will drop deeper to keep a solid shape and simply engage the press when the midfield two of Chelsea/wingbacks get the ball? Otherwise I feel they'll be able to make the pitch too wide.

Pep said a while back that he has two options for playing Chelsea. I'm actually very curious as to what they are.

Still think we'll win as we have better quality, but these are a tough and v well set up side.

You have ’a concern’, Chelsea will be shitting it looking at our line up. I know which team I’d be more worried about facing

 

[HorlocksWalk]

I desperately want to win this game apart from the little voice at the back of my mind that says "If we do then we have done it all". The later EPL wins never had the joy of the first (What could?). The cup wins have never matched the elation of 2011, after knocking the rags out in the semi.

I know - I am a miserable bastard. Enjoy the game and soak it up if we win and if not then next year and hopefully the next 50.

 

[deco]

Does anyone’s gaffer seriously expect any blues to get any work done today? Nerves/excitement have kicked in full swing this morning roll on tomorrow morning at least when the first can will be cracked to settle the nerves!! 3-1 city foden mahrez and Dias, Werner for chelski

 

[SerbianBlue]

Thanks Everton for getting us in such great shape on Sunday. I’m honestly convinced we are going to win this by pretty decent margin. Don’t forget they beat us as we were playing 3 at the back+mendy.

 

[The1nvisibleMan]

I feel so nervous for this game even though I know we’re good enough to win. Don’t know how I’m gonna sit through it. Might be worth sleeping through the game and dealing with the result when it’s all said and done

 

[Saddleworth2]

I have a feeling Phil will dazzle a world wide audience tomorrow and catapult himself into the elite world order. I see a goal similar to the one against the Dippers.

I don't think I can ever remember a time that so many players were at their peak - if you run through the likely team,
the only player not at his absolute best is Fern and thats only because of his age and previous standards so high. He is still one of the top 3 DM's in world football.

If we play as we have in the CL this season, we will win tomorrow and lift the cup.

 

[mdj0520]

Work can get fucked if they think I'm going to be able to concentrate on anything today.

 

[mdj0520]

I desperately want to win this game apart from the little voice at the back of my mind that says "If we do then we have done it all". The later EPL wins never had the joy of the first (What could?). The cup wins have never matched the elation of 2011, after knocking the rags out in the semi.

I know - I am a miserable bastard. Enjoy the game and soak it up if we win and if not then next year and hopefully the next 50.

I un-ironically want the Europa League. That run that culminated in the Hamburg match was as good if not better fun than a few of our champions League outings. You get better, more unique away days too.

Not saying I'm sitting here fingers crossed for finishing fifth or getting dumped out of the group stage, obviously not. But if we wind up in there one day, I certainly won't be treating it with contempt. I'd love to finish what we started in that competition before we really took off (yeah, I'm aware it was UEFA cup then).

 

[The Future’s Blue!]

It's a shame we have to face a jammy team in the final. Chelsea in CL have never look like a team that go in a match looking for a win. Even Spuds have a bit more initiative than them. There is a big chance we'll suffer Bayern's fate but we are still odds on favorite based on our overall quality.

We’ve exercised one demon this season with the cup final win over Spurs, who says we cannot exercise another one by beating Chelsea in Europe. Maybe not the semi-final, but one better.

 

[BringBackSwales]

Got my passport, boarding pass, PCR negative certificate, day 2 test kit for when I get back, accommodation details, done Portuguese online locator and printed off. Serious question is there anything else I need apart from beee money?