It still seems to be so fresh, those memories! Muller’s header which bounced past Cech into the goal, Drogba’s equalizer which made London dance with joy, Robben’s penalty miss against his old team mates, Mata’s penalty being saved, David Luiz’s long run up to take the penalty, Cech saving the spot kicks of Olic and Schweinsteiger, Drogba coolly netting the winning goal past Neuer and Chelsea lifting the prestigious trophy in the home ground of Bayern Munich.
Last time both the sides met each other was in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final at Allianz Arena, Munich. It was Chelsea’s night and luck never parted them throughout the game.
But Bayern showed that it is not luck, but hard work and determination which is important to bounce back from such a horrible experience. Bayern won the treble last season and showed that they are the best in Europe.
And for Chelsea, they were eliminated from their title defence last season after they finished third in group stages. Chelsea entered the Round of 32 of Europa league. Chelsea went on to win it and made it to the books of history as the only team to possess both European Champions League title and Europa League title at the same time (it lasted only nine days).
Now both the teams face once again at Prague to try their best to win the European Super Cup. Also this time they are managed by Guardiola and Mourinho. Their rivalry dates back to 2010, when Inter Milan led by Mourinho ousted Pep’s Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate. The rivalry intensified after Mourinho took charge at Real Madrid.
Bayern Munich are tipped to be the favourites in tonight’s clash. But they go into the game without Thiago Alcantara (knee injury), Holger Badstuber (knee injury). Even Javi Martinez (abdominal injury) is a doubt for Bayern.
Pep Guardiola, the former Barcelona manager, who replaced Jupp Heynckes this summer has strengthened the Bavarian line up by signing Mario Goetze and Thiago Alcantara and Kirchhoff.
But Bayern’s performance in Bundesliga has not been impressive so far. Of the four games played they have won three and drew 1-1 with Freiburg last weekend. They sit in the top of the table, with a point difference from their rivals Dortmund who have played three matches.
Possible Line Up: Manuel Neuer, Phillip Lahm, Jerome Boateng, Dante, David Alaba, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Muller, Mario Goetze, Arjen Robben, Frank Ribbery, Mario Mandzukic.
Pep Guardiola might adopt 4-3-3 formation for tonight’s match.
Chelsea are playing in the European Super Cup for the second consecutive time. Last year tCheksea lost 4-1 to Atletico Madrid at Monaco.
Mourinho has made five signings this season to bolster his squad, the recent being Samuel Eto’o from Anzi. It will be interesting to see how Mourinho will choose the best mid-fielders for tonight’s clash.
Chelsea are in the first position in EPL with 7 points from three games and only lead Liverpool and Tottenham by one point. Chelsea might remain in that position even this week, as Liverpool and Tottenham face Manchester United and Arsenal respectively.
David Luiz might play his firt competitive game if the season as he is expected to be fit for the match. Mata, who was rested against Aston Villa and Manchester United, could be a starter against Bayern Munich.
Possible Line Up: Petr Cech, Cesar Azpilicueta, John Terry, David Luiz, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel, Andre Schurrle, Juan Mata, Eden Hazard, Fernando Torres.
Mourinho will stick to his 4-2-3-1 formation.