Manchester City or Chelsea? The all-English Champions League final in Porto promises to be a tense affair, but who will come out on top? Sportsmail’s experts including MARTIN KEOWN and CHRIS SUTTON give their verdicts
- Chelsea and Manchester City go head to head in the Champions League final
- The English battle in Porto could be a tight affair with both sides eyeing glory
- Sportsmail’s experts have their say on who will triumph in Saturday’s final
It’s almost here. The all-English Champions League final between Manchester City and Chelsea kicks off on Saturday and it promises to be a tense affair as both sides prepare for their showdown in Porto.
Manchester City already have two trophies in the bag after securing the Premier League title and the Carabao Cup this term, but are desperate to seal their first ever triumph in this competition.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are keen to end their up and down campaign with some silverware after finishing fourth in the league, but know they will be right up against it as they take on Pep Guardiola‘s side.
But just who will come out on top? Sportsmail’s experts have had their say.
Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea and Pep Guardiola’s Man City go head to head in Saturday’s all-English Champions League final
IAN LADYMAN
Logic says City will win but I have a feeling an upset is in store. Anyone who beats Pep Guardiola’s team will have to score more than once so I am going for 2-2 over 90 minutes and a winner for Chelsea in extra-time.
VERDICT: Man City 2-3 Chelsea (AET)
MATT BARLOW
City are the best team in England and brimming with confidence but Chelsea rise to the occasion on these big European nights and can flourish as underdogs in a tight final.
VERDICT: Man City 1-2 Chelsea
Chelsea could produce a big upset – the Blues know how to win on the big occasion
Thomas Tuchel’s men have already defeated City twice and will have the mental edge
JACK GAUGHAN
Pep Guardiola’s game plans in the knockout rounds have worked a treat — the squad appear relaxed and ready to carry out their manager’s instructions.
VERDICT: Man City 2-1 Chelsea
SAMI MOKBEL
Chelsea have hit a poor run of form at the wrong time and City aren’t the side you want to face when you are not playing well.
Chelsea have beaten City twice this season but they do not score many goals and that, ultimately, will hurt them.
VERDICT: Man City 2-1 Chelsea
CHRIS SUTTON
Those two recent losses to Chelsea in the FA Cup and Premier League will count for nothing on Saturday.
City will play their A team rather than their B team, and it should be too much for their opponents on this occasion.
VERDICT: Man City 2-1 Chelsea
But Chelsea are in a sticky patch and this City side aren’t the team you want to play right now
City appear relaxed ahead of this showdown and ready to carry out the manager’s instructions
MARTIN KEOWN
Pep Guardiola is in his fifth year of managing City and he is one win from getting his hands on the trophy he wants most. They have reached the final with their false nine system and I can see his team finishing the job.
VERDICT: Man City 2-0 Chelsea
DOMINIC KING
Pep Guardiola’s remarkable record in finals is no fluke. He has been building to this moment for five years. Expect a commanding display from City.
VERDICT: Man City 3-1 Chelsea