UEFA Champions League final: Preview, Dream11 and stats
What's the story
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool will battle it out against each other in the UEFA Champions League 2018-19 final. The two teams will meet in the first all-English Champions League final since 2008 in the Spanish capital later tonight. It's expected to be a gigantic battle for both the teams. Here is the detailed match preview.
Team news
Team news and selection
It remains to be seen whether Harry Kane features for Spurs tonight. The England skipper, who had injured his left ankle in the quarter-final first-leg, hasn't played since then. Although, he has stated that he is ready to go. Spurs boss Pochettino is yet to make a final decision. For Liverpool, mid-fielder Naby Keita is out with an injury. Roberto Firmino could start.
Viewpoint
Viewpoint: What did the managers say?
"My career so far is not unlucky. I haven't a problem with my career. My wife always asks me when the final game of the season is because since 2012, apart from 2017, my teams have been in finals," Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said. "If you win with Manchester City or Manchester United, it's normal. But at Tottenham, no one expects," said Poch.
Comebacks
Both teams made fairytale comebacks in the semis
In the semi-finals, both teams registered dramatic victories. Liverpool beat Barcelona 4-0 at Anfield and overturned a 3-0 first-leg deficit. Spurs shined through Lucas Moura, who scored a second-half hat-trick. They came back from being 3-0 down on aggregate to beat Ajax on away goals. Prior to that, Spurs were seconds away from defeat in the hands of Man City.
Dream11
Dream11: A 4-3-3 formation on offer
Alisson Becker is our choice as the goal-keeper of this side. A four-man defense protects him. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jan Vertonghen take the full-back positions. Virgil van Dijk and Toby Alderweireld form the central partnership. Moussa Sissoko, Dele Alli and Georginio Wijnaldum are the three mid-fielders. Mo Salah and Sadio Mane (captain) support Son Hueng-min (vice-captain) in attack. It's a strong starting XI.
Stats
Stat attack: All that you need to know
Liverpool have lost their past two Champions League finals in 2007 and 2018 respectively. Spurs are featuring in their maiden Champions League final. The Reds have lost their past four finals across all competitions since the 2012 League Cup win. Spurs have lost their past two finals since the 2008 League Cup win. This is Klopp's third major European final with Liverpool.
Our take
Liverpool are the big favorites: Our take
With both teams showing enough resistance and fight, it is expected to be a crunch battle. Liverpool go into the game as the favorites though. They finished 26 points above Spurs in the Premier League and have more resources. Liverpool's front three will be key to unlock Spurs' defense. A tight mid-field battle is expected as well. We feel Liverpool might pull this off.
Information
Timing, TV listing and online commentary
The match is set to start at 12:30 AM IST. One can watch the match live on the Sony Ten Network. It can be streamed on Sony LIV app as well. Online commentary and updates can be followed on numerous websites.