We knew both managers would be forced to make adjustments to their lineups today with the smorgasbord of suspensions affecting both side. John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Ramires and Raul Meireles are all unavailable for Roberto Di Matteo, while Jupp Heynckes is missing David Alaba, Holger Badstuber and Luiz Gustavo.
Bayern Munich Vs. Chelsea, 2012 UEFA Champions League Final: Lineups
Chelsea are boosted by the return of David Luiz and Gary Cahill, which should help cover for Terry's absence. Despite speculation that Fernando Torres might make an appearance in the midfield, Ryan Bertrand is starting out wide in place of Ramires. Bertrand? Yeah, I'm shaking my head too. Is this the decision that either makes Di Matteo look like a genius or potentially cost him the title and his job as well?
On paper, Bayern’s missing players are likely to hurt them more than the Blues. Diego Contento is starting at fullback in place of Alaba, while Tymoschuk starts in the central defense but could move in to the defensive midfield should Kroos or Schweinsteiger struggle. Daniel van Buyten would likely sub in to the defense should an adjustment prove necessary.
Bayern Munich (4-2-3-1): Manuel Neuer; Diego Contento, Anatoliy Tymoshchuk, Jerome Boateng, Philipp Lahm; Toni Kroos, Bastian Schweinsteiger; Franck Ribery, Thomas Muller, Arjen Robben; Mario Gomez.
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Petr Cech; Ashley Cole, David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Jose Bosingwa; Frank Lampard, John Obi Mikel; Ryan Bertrand, Juan Mata, Salomon Kalou; Didier Drogba.
We'll have updates throughout the week in our 2012 UEFA Champions League Final StoryStream. For more on Bayern, head over to Bayern Munich blog Bavarian Football Works. For more on the Blues, check out Chelsea FC blog We Ain't Got No History. For more on the entire world of football, follow @SBNationSoccer on twitter.
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