Having watched a World Cup duel at Allianz Arena, I am with Bayern

Saturday, May 19, 2012 - 00:00 -- BY CAROL RADULL
Bayern Munich's players react after the penalty shootout as they qualify for the final at the end of their C
Bayern Munich's players react after the penalty shootout as they qualify for the final at the end of their C.JPG

Bayern Munich Vs Chelsea Today 9:45pm

My Prediction: The Bavarians 3—1 The Blues

Bayern Munich are favourites to win the Champions League because they are playing in their very own home-ground, The Allianz Arena. Among all the teams that have played in the Champions League, the odds were never in favour of these two teams reaching the final. On paper it would have been Real Madrid or defending champions Barcelona; or even Manchester United, who I’m afraid didn’t make it to the second round. So this has already been a Champions League season that refused to conform.

Ever since Arsenal bowed out of the competition, I have joined the Bayern Munich band-wagon. Considering I have been to Munich and watched a World Cup match at the Allianz Arena, it came naturally to swing my support their way. Both teams will be missing key players, who picked up too many cards on the way to the final with Bayern having a serious defensive problem.

Bayern’s number one full-back Brazilian David Alaba is out and his impressive defending and athleticism will be missed. He will be joined in the stands by fellow defender Holger Badstuber, a keen, alert and intelligent player. Brazilian Luiz Gustavo was an anchor in the Bayern defence against Real Madrid but he will also be MIA today.

Chelsea have their fair share of suspensions of course starting without captain John Terry who picked up that silly red in Barcelona. Fellow defender Branislav Ivanovic is also out; joined by midfielder Meireles. So both clubs have defensive issues and will aim to control the midfield. I believe Bayern will rule. When asked about facing Bayern striker Mario Gomez, Chelsea defender David Luiz revealed that he has only faced him once before—on PlayStation. Good Luck Chelsea. I’ll be Bavarian today and I’m even wearing my Bayern jersey personally given to me by Paulo Sergio when Alem Brazil visited Kenya in 2008. Sergio won the Champions League with Bayern in 2001 (and the world Cup with Brazil in 1994) and so this is a sign.

City Stars Vs Thika United Sunday 2pm

My Prediction: City Stars 1—2 Thika

This is an interesting tie because it involves two in-form teams. City Stars have been the whipping boys of the league until two weeks ago when they shocked everyone with a 3-0 drubbing of then league leaders AFC Leopards to become just the second team to beat Ingwe since last August. They followed up that win with a 1-0 away win against Western Stima. Even the top teams find it hard to pick points in Kakamega, but City Stars did it. Thika, meanwhile, are enjoying similar success, thanks to their oring machine Kepha Aswani. They come into this game on the back of a four-match unbeaten run that includes victories over Sofapaka, Muhoroni Youth, Oserian and Mathare United. And that good form has seen them climb up the standings to 4th. I’m predicting a tough match with Stars striker Dan Sserunkuma giving the Thika defence a hard time; but Thika will pull through. Pole Gideon Ochieng!