Hello and welcome to our LIVE coverage of the showpiece to the 2011-12 European season - the Champions League final, between Bayern Munich and Chelsea, in Munich, kicking off at 7.45pm UK time.

Jupp Heynckes: "Is this the biggest day of my management career? Let's waut until after the game. We must be patient tonight, stay calm and play smart. We can't just run at them, we have a clear strategy."

Roberto Di Matteo: "We had to take a lot of things into consideration due to suspensions and injuries. That's why I picked this team. The fact that Cahill and Luiz have ben out for three or four weeks makes them higher risk but anyone can pick up an injury. With Bertrand, Malouda picked up an injury and couldn't train all week. He has a good understanding both defensively and going forward."

All right boys and girls (and in betweeners), this is your last chance to Tweet predictions before I immerse myself in live commentary. @ROMPED33: "Bertrand could be an advantage, bayern would have very little homework on him, could spark the blues"; @JooManGroup: "mueller schweini and co ofteb prodice top performances together he'd be my choice if i were heyneckes too"; @OsamaBinHaroon: "All lingering hopes of a @chelseafc victory vanquished with the shocking line up of the Blues tonight."

Referee tonight is Pedro Proenca of Portugal. Much has been made of the fact he has reffed two Bayern matches and that they lost both; however, he is strict - in 28 games this season he has dished out 11 red cards and 152 yellows, which will NOT suit tough-tackling Chelsea.

BATTLES : Case for the defence - yes, the John Terry legal pun was intended, but Chelsea have a better record without him both in Europe and the League. That doesn't account for always playing the big games and being rested for the 'easier' ones, but I think his best days are behind him. But are Cahill and Luiz match-fit? Bayern, meanwhile, are worse-hit by their two suspensions as they have fewer options - a midfielder and B-teamer form half their back four. Verdict - Bayern there for taking.

BATTLES: Mata v Kroos - the playmaking hearts of bot sides' attacks, but Kroos has to operate in a withdrawn role due to Gustavo's suspension. Yes, Mueller moves to the AMC role in his place, but Kroos is less effective deeper according to Eurosport Bundesliga commentator Angus Torode (@ajtorode). Verdict - Mata to pull strings.

BATTLES: Bertrand v Robben - There is almost no way to predict what will happen here. I have seen Bertrand play a few times this season - he is determined, quick and disciplined, so he could well shackle Robben. But the Dutchman will simply cut inside or even switch wings if he finds it tough, so I think this is a bit risk. Verdict - Robben to shine.

BATTLES: Drogba v Gomez - Gomez has scored bags of goals this season (20 in his last 17 Champions League appearances), but he does miss sitters and has been known to fade in high-pressure situations. Tonight is a huge test for him. Drogba has been hot and cold this season, as you'd expect of a man nearing the end of his career, but the big games he ALWAYS shows for. Verdict - both to make an impact.

BATTLES: Cech v Neuer - both imperious on their day, but Neuer has a howler in his locker while Cech has only recently hit top form after struggling for a few years following his fractured skull. Verdict - Cech shades it on experience.

Obviously I want your predictions too - @ROMPED23: "Bayern munich to win on home soil, which will allow the team to be in their zone early. Greetings from melbourne, australia"; @winniewlsn: "Time to create history. Bring the #ChampionsLeague home #cfc."

Tick tock tick tock. I'm excited - are you? Bayern are favourites for this - 7/10 on, with Chelsea 7/2 (normal time). Our partner websites across Europe agree with this, narrowly backing the Germans by four votes to three in a FIFA-style secret ballot (not).

These teamsheets are awesome:

No surprises in Bayern's team, as Contento comes in for the suspended Alaba at left-back and forgotten midfielder Tymoschuk starts at centre-half with Badstuber banned and Van Buyten only fit for the bench. Thomas Mueller - a touch out of favour with Heynkes - starts in place of the suspended Luis Gustavo, occupying Kroos' AMC role with the youngster droping into midfield.

What do you think of that bombshell? Ryan Bertrand, 22 and at best a fringe player, starts ahead of Essien because Malouda is not deemed fit enough for 90 minutes. Also there is a tactical side to it - Bertrand will be a defensive winger, working on Robben, Lahm and - when he switches flanks - Ribery. Tell me what you think on Twitter @Reda_Eurosport

TEAMS - CHELSEA: Cech, Boswinga, Cahill, Luiz, Cole, Mikel, Lampard (c), Kalou, Mata, Bertrand, Drogba /// Bayern Munich: Neuer, Lahm, Contento, Tymoschuk, Boateng, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Muller, Robben, Ribery, Gomez

Speaking of which - Chelsea's team is OUT. And Bertrand starts; with no Essien. My oh my what an injury can do to a top player.

Don't worry, that was only a brief FACT interlude - although there will be some more later. It's looking increasingly likely that Bertrand will start, which begs the question 'why'? Because even if Malouda is injured, the likes of Essien and Romeu will surely feel aggrieved if they are left out - Lampard, Mikel, Kalou and Mata are all fit. One assumes only Drogba will start up front, with Sturridge and Torres on the bench.

Aside from his tendency to upset people, England's Lionheart (TM) John Terry also has a less 'winning' record in Europe with the Blues. Chelsea have won 49% of their Champions League games with Terry on the pitch since his debut in 2003-04 (42 out of 85). This ratio climbs to 57% when he’s absent (8 out of 14)...

Capacity today is 63,000, a touch reduced one assumes on account of the standing allocation. Rammed, and containing the likes of @tomEurosport who is getting a touch more prolific as we approach kick off. Check in on him at your leisure.

It's from earlier, but in case you didn't read it Early Doors had its say on tonight's match. An interesting read.

Speaking of everyone's favourite (insert alleged crime here), PM David Cameron has been caught on camera slagging Terry off to Angela Merkel, his German equivalent. While at the G8 summit, Merkel taunted Cameron about Terry's absence, to which Cameron replied: "Good. He's said some bad things".