THE Champions League final takes place on Saturday night from Madrid. We asked the WLB stable for their views and best bets ahead of the big match between Liverpool and Tottenham.
Mark O'Haire (@MarkOHaire)
“Nobody can dispute that Liverpool (19/20 Bet365) are justified jollies. The Merseysiders suffered a sole domestic league defeat, where streets ahead of their opponents across all the major performance data metrics, arguably progressed via a more difficult route to Madrid, as well as having recent Champions League trends onside.” Mark O'Haire's full preview can be found here.
Chris Graham (@ChrisGraham79)
Liverpool's explosive attacking arsenal should be too much for Tottenham on Saturday night. Jurgen Klopp's side finished 26 points ahead of Spurs and boasted a Goal Difference 39 goals superior to their opponents, there's clearly a gap between the teams. Liverpool have very rarely fluffed their lines this season and the horror of ending the campaign with nothing to show for it should push them to glory against a side who just seem happy to be at the party.
- Prediction: Tottenham 1-3 Liverpool
- Best Bet: Liverpool to win and Both Teams To Score (14/5 William Hill)
Tom Love (@TomLove_18)
I think the gulf in class between the top two in the Premier League and the rest was there for all to see. Almost even-money on Liverpool looks fair to me; they’re stronger in pretty much every area of the pitch. Spurs do pose a threat however with Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Lucas Moura. I would side with the Reds here though – don’t be surprised to see a quick start as over 40% of Spurs’ goals conceded have been in the first 15 minutes.
- Prediction: Liverpool 2-1 Spurs
- Best Bet: Liverpool to win and Both Teams To Score (14/5 William Hill)
James O’Rourke (@JamesOR1)
Both clubs did things the hard way in the semi-finals to reach this stage, and my worry is that those exploits might lead to the final not living up to expectations. I don’t see this being played out as a Premier League game would. I only really see this being a ‘thriller’ if an early goal is scored, and I can’t see that happening. Neither will go hell for leather, even Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, at the very start. Also, there is the fact both sides have had a few weeks without playing, so they’ll need time to settle back into matters. Based on how the Champions League has gone for these two sides this season, let’s have another bit of drama in the form of extra time, and possibly penalties.
- Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Tottenham
- Best Bet: Extra Time ‘Yes’ (5/2 Sportingbet)
Gabriel Sutton (@_FootbalLab)
The experience of a Champions League final will be unchartered territory for Tottenham Hotspur and getting there is a massive achievement; Mauricio Pochettino's world-class coaching has more than compensated for a modest recruitment process. Liverpool, by contrast, have reached their fourth final in 14 years after last year’s defeat to Real Madrid; they have more big-game experience, they have delivered more consistently in the Premier League and the remarkable comeback against Barcelona will give them further belief that they belong at the very top of the European game.
- Best Bet: Liverpool to win (19/20 Bet365)
Gaurav Chaddah (@gchaddahjourno)
Liverpool won both games this season whilst conceding against Tottenham and I expect the same again here. The Reds’ firepower with Mohammed Salah and Sadio Mane can overhaul a Tottenham team who have rode their luck en-route to the final. Thi just might be one step too far for Spurs.
- Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Spurs
- Best Bet: Liverpool to win and Both Teams To Score (14/5 William Hill)
Adam Goodwin (@AdamGoodwin__)
If Liverpool get an early goal here, they could run riot. Mane has been Liverpool's Champions League hero a few times and I can see him doing the same in Madrid.
- Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham
- Best Bet: Sadio Mane to score anytime (13/8 Betfred)
Paul Maddison (@LouthBigDog)
As much as I'd like to see Tottenham win the Champions League, I just can't see it happening. Liverpool were much the better team this season, highlighted by the 26 point gap between the two sides. The Reds were on a great run at the end of the season too, winning 13 of their last 14 encounters. Spurs won just six times in the same period.
- Prediction: Liverpool 3-1 Tottenham
- Best Bet: Liverpool to win (19/20 Bet365)
