Manchester City vs Chelsea: Betting preview ahead of Champions League final

Published: May 25, 2021

The 2020/21 season concludes this weekend as Manchester City take on Chelsea in an all-English Champions League final in Portugal on Saturday evening.

City head into the game looking to win their third trophy of the season. Having won the League Cup back in April, the Citizens strolled to the Premier League title after finishing 12 points ahead of nearest rivals Manchester United.

Pep Guardiola will now be desperate to win the clubs first ever Champions League and cement himself in the history books by claiming a memorable treble.

However, Man City will be up against a tough Chelsea side that’ll be battling to win the European Cup for just the second time in their history.

Thomas Tuchel has done a terrific job since replacing Frank Lampard as manager but his side are in danger of blowing what promised to be a memorable season just a few weeks ago.

Chelsea lost to Leicester City in the FA Cup and only just managed to cling on to fourth place in the Premier League on the final day of the season thanks to two late Tottenham goals consigning Leicester to fifth.

Defeat in the Champions League final on Saturday would be a huge blow for Chelsea and could even see Tuchel’s job come under threat, if newspaper reports are to be believed.

City favourites

This is a massive game so we should expect plenty of interest in the betting markets. Those planning to bet on this match should look out for the latest promotions and betting bonuses in Nigeria as bookmakers will be vying for your business.

It’s no surprise that Man City are the 17/20 favourites with the bookmakers to win the game inside 90 minutes on Saturday. Chelsea can be backed at odds of 7/2 while the draw is available at 12/5.

We’re expecting Chelsea to play tight and make this a cagey game so unless City open the scoring early on, we shouldn’t be expecting a goal-fest.

A 1-1 draw at odds of 5/1 looks good if you think the game will go to extra time.

Kante a doubt

A possible important factor in this game could be the fitness of N’Golo Kante as the midfielder is a doubt with a thigh injury.

The Frenchman was outstanding during Chelsea’s recent league win at Man City so Tuchel will be desperate for Kante to pass a late fitness test. If the former Leicester man isn’t fully fit, it could be the difference in this match.

Another player who needs a late fitness test is Edouard Mendy after he was forced off with a chest injury at the weekend.

He’s been a rock between the sticks for Chelsea this season and it would be a huge downgrade if Kepa had to start in goal on Saturday.

Man City on the other hand have no injury concerns to worry about so this match could be decided by two important Chelsea fitness tests.

We could see a huge influx of bets backing City if Kante and Mendy aren’t involved when the line-ups are announced an hour before kick-off.

If the duo do start, then I expect Chelsea to push City all the way but if they miss out, then Guardiola’s men will be red-hot favourites to claim their first ever European Cup.

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com