MUNICH, GERMANY - MAY 18: In this handout image provided by UEFA, Interim manager Roberto Di Matteo looks on during the Chelsea press conference, ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final between FC Bayern Muenchen and Chelsea at the Fuflball Arena München on May 18, 2012 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Handout/UEFA via Getty Images)
We've discussed the possibility that Ryan Bertrand will start against Bayern Munich already and although I liked the idea, I was fairly skeptical that Roberto di Matteo would make such a daring move. Turns out that no he's not, because all indications are that Bertrand will indeed be playing left midfield. In the Champions League final:
So @ryanbertrand3 gets nod for #cfc this evening. Huge challenge given it's his first European involvement but well deserved. Great story
— Dominic Fifield (@domfifield) May 19, 2012
Well then. Given that, I'd expect the following lineup (assuming Gary Cahill and David Luiz are fit, and I think we'd know about it if they weren't):
Chelsea starting XI (4-2-3-1): Petr Cech; Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Jose Bosingwa; Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel; Ryan Bertrand, Juan Mata, Salomon Kalou; Didier Drogba.
Starting Bertrand is a hugely gutsy call, and it might just play off. Jupp Heynckes doesn't have a reputation for being particularly bold, and if Chelsea are going to win this we'll have to rely on a brilliant performance from the players and some gambles from the manager. This, I think, is a step in the right direction.


There are 192 Comments. Load Now.
Shortcuts to mastering the comment thread. Use wisely.
C - Next Comment
X - Mark as Read
R - Reply
Z - Mark Read & Next
Shift + C - Previous
Shift + A - Mark All Read
Comment Settings
Live comment alert: Hide it!
Comments for this post are closed.