Manchester City and Chelsea have become pretty familiar in recent weeks – great for us as we pick our Champions League picks for their huge final showdown in Porto Saturday (1500 ET, 1200 PT).
City and Chelsea met in a tense FA Cup semi-final last month which went in favour of Thomas Tuchel’s Blues, while in their league clash at the Etihad they once again came out on top thanks to a late Marcos Alonso goal.
Not many coaches have a winning record against the genius that is Pep Guardiola, but the Spaniard may be more than a little concerned that his German counterpart has gotten the better of him twice in recent weeks.
This is a monumental evening for City. All the Abu Dhabi billions, the signing of Pep and a galaxy of soccer superstars. It was always about tonight – the journey was always supposed to bring them here.
The promised land of Champions League success has never been closer than it is at this moment, but how will that level of expectancy weigh upon them? Pep hasn’t been here since 2011 – an incredible drought for such a storied boss – and his tendency to overthink big games could make things difficult.
His team though is oozing class at the moment, having destroyed Everton on the final day of the season. Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden and the Player of the Year Ruben Dias are in stellar form heading into the biggest game of the year.
Chelsea, whose late-season form has been far more spotty, remains a clear and present danger though. Tuchel’s team will look to dominate the ball and should be helped mentally by those two recent defeats of City.
Man City v Chelsea Odds
Manchester City is a pretty firm favorite with online bookmakers at -107 (888Sport), while Chelsea is +350 with multiple sportsbooks. The draw in 90 minutes is +245.
City is a deserved favorite and is roundly expected to get the job done, but recent history and Pep’s failure to win the big one in 10 years means Chelsea cannot be ruled out.
Man City vs Chelsea Injury Report
City has no real injury worries, and will also have Joao Cancelo back from suspension.
N’Golo Kante is a serious doubt for Chelsea, and this is a major factor when considering picks for this game.
A Chelsea without Kante is a significantly weaker opponent and if he misses the game, City becomes an even bigger favorite. Edouard Mendy left the game against Aston Villa injured at half-time – but he is fully expected to be fit Saturday.
Champions League Final predictions and picks
A tough one, but a challenge OddsCritic is always willing to take on.
Chelsea represents value at the odds but Kante’s injury is a real concern. Our guidance would be to wait until the line-ups are released prior to kick-off and if Kante plays, take that +350.
If he’s missing, leave it – City will then likely be even shorter odds, and no value for bettors.
OddsCritic Pick: Chelsea to win @ +350 if Kante plays (FanDuel, William Hill, BetMGM, Borgata)
What time does Man City v Chelsea start?
The Champions League final will take place at Estadio do Dragao in Porto, on Saturday, 29 May with a kick off time of 1500 ET (1200 PT).
How can I watch Man City vs Chelsea on TV?
You watch the Champions League final on TV through CBS, or stream the game on Paramount +.
How does soccer betting work?
We have full guide to soccer betting just for you – click here to read it in full.
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