Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich: Reds' Offensive Prowess Will Overwhelm Blues

Bayern Munich and Chelsea will both be short-handed for the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday. Three players are suspended for the Reds and four are out for the Blues. 

Bayern Munich will be without defensive midfielder Luiz Gustavo, center back Holger Badstuber and left back Daniel Alaba. 

The Reds still hold an advantage despite the losses to their defense.

Chelsea will be without former captain John Terry, Ramires, Raul Meireles and Branislav Ivanovic.

Losing Terry and Ivanovic makes Chelsea's defense excruciatingly thin, and very vulnerable against a dangerous Bayern Munich attack.

Bayern Munich has scored 14 goals in their last five Champions League games, seven of which came against FC Basel in the round of 16.

Their strategy and players are slanted toward offense. With Chelsea's defensive unit reeling, look for this to be a problem.

Let's look at Bayern Munich's attackers and how they can exploit Chelsea's beleaguered defense. 

Munich's Midfielders

Bayern Munich's midfield featured Bastian Schweinsteiger, Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller. 

Whichever combination of these skilled players is on the pitch together creates sweet music on a regular basis. 

The Reds' midfield is incredibly skilled on offense despite their defensive shortcomings. Ribery, Kroos and Robben have combined for nine goals in Champions League play. 

The stat line does not show the true prowess of this unit, especially against a thin Chelsea defense.

Bayern Munich's healthy balance of goal-scoring in the midfield and capable facilitators creates a defensive dilemma. 

Chelsea must decide how to defend the Reds. Either sit back and keep play in front or attack the possessing player by taking away his time and space. 

Either way, Bayern Munich's midfield will cause issues on Saturday. 

Chelsea's dangerous offense may be their best defense. Frank Lampard and company need to attack the Reds' defense and force their midfielders to play in their own end. 

This will take pressure off Chelsea's defenders and give the Blues some room to breathe.

Munich's Strikers

Bayern Munich's strikers come down to one player. Mario Gomez has 12 goals in Champions League play this year, leading the club with 38 shots on goal.

Gomez also had 26 goals in German Bundesliga play.

He is a dynamic offensive presence because of his nose for the ball. Gomez is a threat to score each time he touches the ball and he is not afraid to have a go. 

The middle of Chelsea's defense could be vulnerable to Gomez's antics. Without Terry, Chelsea will have to lend help in the middle and Ivanovic will not be there to help either.

The Blues cannot overcompensate for Gomez's electric ability but they must be aware of his location at all times. If they fall asleep, Gomez will make them pay.

Bayern Munich's midfield can score or flick the ball ahead, either with a through ball or an accurate chip over the top of Chelsea's defense.

If they do, you can be sure Gomez will be there waiting to receive the precise pass. 

Chelsea's suspensions will impact their ability to defend Petr Cech. It could make for a very long day in Allianz Arena.