UEFA Champions League Final 2012: Why Casual Fans Should Root for Bayern Munich

As an Arsenal fan, deciding on who to root for in this game has been rather tricky. On the one hand, a Chelsea win would keep Tottenham out of the Champions League next season, a result I would be quite pleased with.

On the other hand, I'm not sure I can bring myself to support Chelsea. And since I'm not British, I don't have to support them for purely nationalistic reasons.

So let Tottenham have a trip to the Champions League—I'm rooting for Bayern Munich.

And here's why, if you're simply a casual fan looking for a good soccer game, you should too.

The Game is in Munich

Generally, the final ends up being played at a neutral location. This year, it just so happens that the final was designated to be played in Munich, at Bayern Munich's home stadium.

If you believe in destiny, than this Bayern Munich squad winning a Champions League title in front of its home fans is about as close to the destiny storyline as you'll ever get.

There might be quite the party in Munich this weekend.

John Terry Isn't Very Likeable

John Terry has a forthcoming trial for racially abusing Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand. Terry won't be playing in the game—he was sent off against Barcelona and cannot play in the match—but by sheer association alone, he makes Chelsea unlikable.

Bayern Munich is Simply More Fun to Watch

Chelsea did what they had to do against Barcelona, sinking back, conceding possession to the Catalans and packing the box with defenders to keep Barca from scoring. They relied on the counter-attack to score.

The strategy worked perfectly, but it was also frustrating to watch. While they won't match that strategy against Bayern Munich, I don't think they'll try to out-football them either, as they'll be without Terry, John Terry, Branislav Ivanovic, Raul Meireles and Ramires.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich was aggressive and fun to watch against the explosive Real Madrid.

Arjen Robben is a wizard with the ball between his feet and stretches the field wide. Toni Kroos is the Drew Brees of midfielders with his crazy-accurate passing. Mario Gomez always seems to find the back of the net.

You'll enjoy watching this team play. Before you know it, you may find yourself rooting for them anyway. But in case you remain torn, just remember the above.

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