Chelsea vs. Bayern Munich: 5 Players to Watch in Champions League Final

The UEFA Champions League Final between Chelsea and Bayern Munich is finally here. 

After heroic performances by Chelsea over Barcelona and Bayern Munich over Real Madrid in the semifinals, the most prestigious club trophy in European football will be decided in Munich, Germany Saturday. 

In today's final, keep your eyes on the following five players:

Jose Bosingwa, Chelsea

Defenders John Terry and Branislov Ivanovic will both miss Saturday's final on suspension, making Bosingwa's role at the back of the Chelsea defense a crucial one if the Blues are to escape Munich with a win. Roberto Di Matteo could slide Bosingwa inside as he did against Leo Messi and Barcelona, or he could throw him out on the wing to defend either Frank Ribery and Arjen Robben. 

ESPN's John Brewin identified Bosingwa as his primary player to watch for Chelsea Saturday:

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In the absence of Ivanovic and Terry, Bosingwa's importance has doubled to Chelsea. He once looked headed for the exit door in the next Chelsea clear-out but he has enjoyed a renaissance under Roberto Di Matteo. Both David Luiz and Gary Cahill are returning from hamstring injuries, although have not played competitively since suffering them. 

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Chelsea will be doing their share of defending in a de facto road game in Munich, so expect Bosingwa's form to be a critical factor in the ending scoreline. 

Bastian Schweinsteiger, Bayern Munich

Schweinsteiger may be the most important player on Munich's side.

While he probably won't be scoring any goals Saturday, expect Schweinsteiger's distribution and pace from the midfield to be a catalyst in any goals Munich does score. His battles with Chelsea's Frank Lampard in the midfield could decide the game. 

Juan Mata, Chelsea

Regardless of where Di Matteo plays Mata, this skilled tactician has the clever vision necessary for creating goals. In 34 games in the Barclays Premier League, Mata scored six goals and assisted on 13 others.

When Chelsea needs a moment of brilliance, Mata is usually the man who provides it. If Chelsea sneaks a goal or two past Manuel Neuer Saturday, expect Mata's name to be a part of the buildup. 

Mario Gomez, Bayern Munich

Gomez has always been a big scorer in Germany, but his performance in the Champions League this season has been career defining. During Bayern's run to the final, Gomez has slotted home a team-high 12 goals.

Against a Chelsea defense that will be missing many key parts, Gomez could cap off his incredible form this season with a big showing on the game's biggest stage. He's as good a bet to score as anyone on the pitch Saturday.

Didier Drogba, Chelsea

Saturday's Champions League final could be Drogba's last game at Chelsea, and he'll be looking to erase the memory of his red card in the 2008 final against Manchester United that sent him off and kept him from participating in the penalty shootout. 

A powerful, imposing striker who can score with either foot, Drogba will need to make the most of his chances at Neuer Saturday. And while he may not be with Chelsea past 2012, Droga can help provide one of the most important wins in club history by doing what he's done so well over the course of his career at Chelsea: put the ball in the back of the net.