This Saturday, Bayern Munich hosts Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League Final. Both teams are coming off frustrating domestic league seasons, with Bayern finishing second behind Borussia Dortmund, while Chelsea finished a disappointing sixth place. Though neither team was able to win their domestic champions, all will be forgotten if they are crowned champions of Europe. GolTV announcer, Phil Schoen, was nice enough to share some of his knowledge on the biggest club match of the year.
Soccer Banter: How will each manager adjust to players missing due to suspension?
Phil Schoen: Chelsea gets hurt the most. For all his problems, John Terry could have been useful against Mario Gomez. And without Ivanovic and Miereles they'll be even thinner in defense. I think Ramires is a huge miss as not only is he the best player Chelsea has this year, he's one of the best in Europe.
For Bayern, Alaba is a teenager with the poise of a ten-year veteran. And Badstuber has emerged as a solid, if unspectacular back. I think there's enough depth in the back if van Buyten is healthy enough to play. Biggest question is, with Gustavo out and holes in the back, where does Tymoschuk play?
Soccer Banter: How will each manager adjust to players missing due to suspension?
Phil Schoen: Chelsea gets hurt the most. For all his problems, John Terry could have been useful against Mario Gomez. And without Ivanovic and Miereles they'll be even thinner in defense. I think Ramires is a huge miss as not only is he the best player Chelsea has this year, he's one of the best in Europe.
For Bayern, Alaba is a teenager with the poise of a ten-year veteran. And Badstuber has emerged as a solid, if unspectacular back. I think there's enough depth in the back if van Buyten is healthy enough to play. Biggest question is, with Gustavo out and holes in the back, where does Tymoschuk play?
SB: How do you envision each team setting up tactically to play?
PS: I think Chelsea will pack in the defense and try to get Drogba free on the counter. However, without Ramires the counter will be toothless.
For Bayern, they can counter, but won't have the opportunities since Chelsea will not have enough possession in the Bayern end, but they have a lot of speed and talent on the flanks. And if Chelsea gets stretched to the chalk, watch out for Kroos and Mueller.
SB: Which players will be key in order for their team to win?
PS: Drogba is a big game player, so you know he'll be hungry. However, I think it will be Peter Cech who needs to keep Chelsea in it long enough to grab a goal against the flow.
With so much defensive attention focused on Mueller, Robben, and Ribery I think Kroos has the opportunity to step up big time.
SB: Lastly, which team will win?
PS: I think it strikes midnight and Chelsea turns into a pumpkin. I see Bayern winning by 2 or 3. (Grain of salt - I thought Barcelona would do the same.)
PS: I think Chelsea will pack in the defense and try to get Drogba free on the counter. However, without Ramires the counter will be toothless.
For Bayern, they can counter, but won't have the opportunities since Chelsea will not have enough possession in the Bayern end, but they have a lot of speed and talent on the flanks. And if Chelsea gets stretched to the chalk, watch out for Kroos and Mueller.
SB: Which players will be key in order for their team to win?
PS: Drogba is a big game player, so you know he'll be hungry. However, I think it will be Peter Cech who needs to keep Chelsea in it long enough to grab a goal against the flow.
With so much defensive attention focused on Mueller, Robben, and Ribery I think Kroos has the opportunity to step up big time.
SB: Lastly, which team will win?
PS: I think it strikes midnight and Chelsea turns into a pumpkin. I see Bayern winning by 2 or 3. (Grain of salt - I thought Barcelona would do the same.)
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