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| Champions League Final Experts' Picks |
| Expert |
Pick |
| Phil Jones, CNN World Sport anchor |
Valencia Wouldn't it just be the way for the team that had achieved such tremendous results in reaching the final to stumble at the last? I can see it happening. Valencia can boast greater defensive prowess throughout the tournament, and in Gaizka Mendieta, Valencia has a midfield dynamo in so many ways more appealing than Bayern's Jens Jeremies. Valencia won't be shell-shocked by the occasion this time.
|
Terry Baddoo, CNN World Sport anchor |
Bayern Munich Sometimes a club just seems to have its name on the trophy. Bayern has looked focused, organized and above all uncompromising. In Giovane Elber, they appear to have a player who's discovered the Midas touch at the perfect time. Stefan Effenberg's return, a dogged defense and a successful run in the Bundesliga give them the edge in confidence.
|
| Simon Hooper, CNNSI.com |
Bayern Munich Two coaches as astute as Bayern's Ottmar Hitzfeld and Valencia's Hector Cuper are unlikely to throw up an open final. Both have forged success on solid defensive foundations, and that means it could come down to one individual taking one chance. And with players like Stefan Effenberg, Mehmet Scholl and Giovane Elber, Bayern seems to have more match-winners.
|
Pedro Pinto, CNN World Sport anchor |
Bayern Munich
If there's one reason Bayern has made the final, goalkeeper Oliver Kahn is it; Bayern takes the edge there. Valencia may not be stocked with stars in their back four, but they play stronger as a unit. In the middle of the park, the Germans have it all -- advantage Bayern. And in attack: Giovane Elber vs. John Carew. Who would you pick? Only a perfect performance will give Valencia hope of stealing the spotlight.
|
Jason Dasey, CNN World Sport anchor |
Bayern Munich
It won't be pretty, but Bayern will find a way. Though Valencia won't be overawed after playing in last year's final, the Germans are too desperate for success to let slip this opportunity. Bayern was robbed in 1999, and that experience will spur the players to greater heights. The Bavarians have the clinical and determined qualities of the best German national sides, complemented by skilful foreign players like Giovanne Elber. Valencia is an enterprising, well-coached team, but will come up short again, by a goal.
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Head-to-Head: Terry Baddoo and Phil Jones clash heads on which team will take the final, and you can make your voice heard.
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