Bayern Munich vs Chelsea: 10 Reasons Bayern Have the Edge in UCL Final

Chelsea have been inspirational for the majority of their time in the UEFA Champions League this season.

So too have Bayern Munich as the Bavarians were going to do whatever it took to make it home to the Allianz Arena to contest the final in front of their home fans.

The last time the two clubs faced off in the Champions League was in 2005 with a much younger Didier Drogba providing the difference to the Blues.

However, in this go-around, the Bavarians have all the advantages in their favor with Chelsea set to have to go into a German lion's den with hopes of coming out alive.

Rest

Chelsea have had a congested fixture list lately to say the least.

Meanwhile, Bayern have had a steady one match per week with time in between to plan and prep and remain fit and healthy for their upcoming match.

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Bastian Schweinsteiger

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger should have the run of the park without Ramires or Raul Meireles to keep an eye on him.

With the makeshift Blues defense sure to be shaky, the midfield could be expected to park the bus and allow the German international time to create.

Defensive Suspensions

While, yes, Bayern Munich have three players suspended (David Alaba, Luis Gustavo and Holger Badstuber), Chelsea are more affected.

With Gary Cahill done for the season, the defensive suspensions of John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic leave only a shoestring defense to deal with Bayern's powerful attack.

Ramires Suspension

Chelsea midfielder, Ramires has been on top form lately for the Blues.

Not being able to make an impact on the UEFA Champions League final could be costly for the London Club.

Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery

Although they had a slight spat between them, Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery will make the lives of the Chelsea full-backs a living hell.

Both the Dutch and French international have been the driving force behind the majority of all Bayern's great play this season from the wide areas.

Fernando Torres' Inconsistency

Chelsea's "El Nino" has shown flashes of brilliance in the last few months under Roberto Di Matteo.

However, despite his goal against FC Barcelona and his hat trick against Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League two weeks ago, Fernando Torres has yet to find his form.

If he shows up, he could cause the Bavarians much trouble, but if he doesn't, then Chelsea will have one more thing to worry about.

Mario Gomez

One of only three players to reach double digits in goals this campaign with 12, Mario Gomez was only outscored by FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi, who had 14 goals.

The German enjoys support from some of the best in Europe with Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Arjen Robben all hoping to feed him the chance for the goal that sends them to the podium.

History to Repeat

In 1999, Bayern Munich were literally three minutes from their fourth Champions League crown.

However, perhaps the greatest fightback in Manchester United's history saw them come from behind to beat the Bavarians.

Two years later in 2001, Bayern reached the final again and lifted that fourth championship.

The last time Bayern were in the final was in 2010, and they lost to Inter Milan.

Once again, here they are two years later chasing their fifth European title to draw them level with Liverpool.

If the cards are right, history is due to repeat.

The Fans

There is nothing like having a home crowd behind you, but it is even more special when that home crowd is behind you for the biggest title in Europe.

Bayern have some of the most dedicated and passionate fans in the world, and they are sure to keep their club in high spirits.

Allianz Arena Advantage

It is one thing to make it to a cup final and play on a neutral ground away from home. However, that is not what is happening this year.

Bayern Munich fought to get to the final this season as it is being played in their home stadium, the Allianz Arena.

Chelsea will not only be traveling to the biggest match of their season, but will have to contest it in the stomping ground of one of Europe's greatest powers.

The Bavarians dare not lose this match, and Chelsea will be in for a heck of a fight to get a chance at taking home their first ever UEFA Champions League title.

However, this has been a UCL season full of surprises.