Champions League Final 2008

Superb tipping from Tom here, the match duly went to penalties, with Utd prevailing, to bring us a tidy profit.

Two Premier League representatives makes this year’s Champions League final all the more anticipated and there can be no argument about the merits of those involved. Manchester United, still unbeaten in the competition, and Chelsea have been the two standout sides in the 2007/08 edition of Europe’s premier club tournament and either will be worthy champions.

While United seek a momentous double, following their well deserved Premier League triumph, Chelsea have prioritised this competition over recent seasons and will de desperate not to end the campaign empty handed.

Avram Grant, against all odds, has been seen by many to have turned around the fortunes of the London club and while the Israeli should certainly take some credit for the Blues strong finish to the season it is ultimately the players that warrant the majority of the plaudits. They have dragged themselves to the final and will fancy their chances of finishing the job off in Moscow.

As for United, they couldn’t enter the showpiece in better heart after capturing their tenth Premier League title since its inception in 1993 and Sir Alex Ferguson will be desperate to add a second European Cup to his trophy haul. The Scot is exuding supreme levels of confidence and it is little wonder with the quality of players at his disposal.

Good news for all neutrals is that both sides look set to be at full strength and there can certainly be no excuses come kick-off on Wednesday.

I find it very difficult to split the two and see it going all the way. In fact, I think penalties are a distinct possibility and wouldn’t be surprised were the match to follow a similar pattern to last year’s FA Cup final. Both sides cancelled each other out that day until a late Didier Drogba winner in extra time but the stakes are even higher this time around and nobody would want to lose it were more than 90 minutes be required to settle it.

At the prices, I’ll be having an interest in either side to triumph on penalties. The 12.0 about either doing so with Sky Bet looks large given how closely the pair are matched and especially so when the stats are examined more thoroughly. Three of the last seven finals have been decided by the dreaded spot kicks and I envisage somebody being the hero, and villain for that matter, from twelve yards in the Russian capital.

The only other bet that catches my eye is a rare foray into the first goal scorer market and I can’t turn down the opportunity to back the aforementioned Drogba at 8.0 to opening the scoring. He has looked back to his brilliant best in recent weeks and should be punted accordingly with Ladbrokes. The Magic Sign offer ½ odds for the first three scorers so a profit still awaits were the Ivory Coast star to be on target without breaking the initial deadlock.