Can Chelsea Beat Bayern Munich?

In the most unexpected lineup for a Champions League Final since Monaco faced Porto in Gelsenkirchen in 2004 - what is it with German venues and unexpected finalists? - two sides who have had disappointing domestic league campaigns will be out to end their seasons with one of the most coveted pieces of silverware in football.

And for the first time since 1983, one of the finalists will be playing on their homeground, i.e. Bayern Munich at the ground usually known as the Allianz Arena. Chelsea will be hoping to play the party-pooper role Liverpool played in that 1983 final against their hosts, AS Roma. They really need to spoil the party as as it stands, Chelsea don't have an invite to next year's Champions League soiree, having finished well off the top 4 in the league.

Bayern fans - and Tottenham fans, for that matter - will be hoping the Germans will be their stereotypically tough and uncompromising selves and take out their first Champions League title in over 10 years and their first in front of their home fans.

So can Chelsea do it despite missing 4 key players and having to play 2 hamstrung players in the backline (Cahill and Luiz)? Their midfield will miss the zip of Ramires who is suspended along with John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic and Raul Meireles. But the effervescent Frank Lampard is still there and will be determined to win the one trophy he hasn't won yet in his club career. Michael Essien could slot into Ramires' spot with John Obi Mikel playing as a makeshift right back.

Do not expect to Roberto di Matteo to employ the same tactics we saw at the Nou Camp unless Chelsea incredibly have a man sent off. Bayern Munich aren't quite as dynamic a side as Barcelona and Real Madrid even if they are at home and should be the quickest side out of the blocks. This is also still a highly talented Chelsea side even if they are on the aging side. While they will play their usual counter-attacking style, don't expect a 10-man bus parked in front of the Chelsea goal.

An early goal is key too and perhaps Chelsea will want to try and wrest the advantage from Bayern Munich from the kickoff. If Chelsea are up early they can play at their pace and dictate terms, this will also apply enormous pressure on the home-side and eventually take the crowd out of the occasion.

Whatever happens, it could be a pretty open game. Or it might be a dull goalless draw that will go down to penalties.