It’s here. It’s finally here. The time is now!

The curtains draw on the longest football season in history as PSG and Bayern Munich cross swords for the trophy with the big ears.

For Bayern Munich, the tie represents a chance to cement undisputed credentials as the best team in Europe. They have had a magnificent season and have been imperious since the restart, with quality brimming all over the pitch. They justifiably enter the final as clear favorites.

Yet, if there is one fact that has rang true in the revamped knockout UCL format, it is that anything can happen on the day.

PSG’s constellation of stars has finally arrived at the pinnacle of European football after years of vast investment bearing little fruit in Europe. This tie erases painful memories of UCL campaigns gone by, providing an opportunity to finally cop the trophy they covet the most. Despite their league season being terminated prematurely, PSG still managed to maintain their form and pedigree to cut their way to the final.

Both teams enjoy playing open attacking football, which sets the stage for a scintillating and breathtaking final — something that every football fan will look forward to.

While Bayern may have the form and pedigree, PSG have match winners that can turn the tie on their own.

Anything can happen on the day!

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Sunday 23 August, 21:00 CET

Paris St. Germain vs Bayern Munich, Estádio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica

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UCL Fantasy

For UCL Fantasy managers, the match represents one last chance to gain a step in their respective mini-leagues. With only two teams to choose from, differential picks are hard to come by for managers needing a significant point swing. However, there are a few desperation strategies that could get you there if they hit paydirt:

• The Defensive All-In — Forget balance and load out on one team’s defense for a full slate of clean sheet points.
• The Differential Cap — Place the armband on an unfancied player in the hope that he strikes gold while the others don’t.
• Back the Underdog — Flip the script and put everything on the PSG win. Defense, captain and as many players as the game will allow.
• Cap from the Back — Cap the defender most likely to score and earn a clean sheet, and then hope for the best.
• Burn the Bench — Play as if you are certain who will start, so waste no more budget on your bench than is required by the rules of the game. That can even include leaving a min-priced player there from one of the prior rounds’ losing teams.

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Here are the Player Picks for the UEFA Champions League Final:

GOALKEEPERS:

Photo by Franck Fife/Pool via Getty Images

Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)

The match promises to be an open affair, so Germany’s first choice shot stopper will have his work cut out against PSG.

Keylor Navas (PSG)

The Costa Rican shot stopper missed the semi-final Leipzig win through injury, but the Parisians are confident that they will have him back for the final. If absent, Sergio Rico will deputize.

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DEFENDERS:

Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Marquinhos (PSG)

The Brazilian anchor man marked his first appearance in our picks with the opening goal in the semi-final win over Leipzig. He’ll once again shoulder the defensive responsibility

Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)

An assist and clean sheet in the semi-final win over Lyon justified his inclusion in our picks and we’re backing the German all-arounder for more point returns.

Juan Bernat (PSG)

The Spanish full back gets forward with regularity and got on the scoresheet against Leipzig for a 10 point return. He’ll once again be in the thick of the action against a Bayern’s high defensive line.

David Alaba (Bayern Munich)

The veteran Austrian defender has been converted from full back to central defender and has acquitted himself excellently. Truth be told, he’s also here because Bayern’s best defensive option, Alfonso Davies, is listed as a midfielder.

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MIDFIELDERS:

Photo by Miguel A. Lopes/Pool via Getty Images

Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)

Two goals in the semi-final for the ruthless ex-Arsenal man fired his team into the final and he will be tormentor in chief for Hansi Flick’s men.

Angel Di Maria (PSG)

The Argentinian wizard registered two goals in the semifinal and is by far the best pick in the PSG midfield.

Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich)

The veteran German international is always a goal threat and lives for the big occasion. With the trophy beckoning, count on him to show up.

Ivan Perisic (Bayern Munich)

A third midfield pick from the Germans, but Perisic has been the form player in the Champions League mini-tournament and could find point returns operating from his left wing position.

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FORWARDS:

Photo by Franck Fife/Pool via Getty Images

Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)

With 55 goals in all competitions this season and 15 goals in this season’s Champions League, the Polish front man is in record breaking form. He needs one goal to break Gerd Muller’s single season goal record for Bayern Munich and two goals to equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of most goals in a single Champions League season.

Kylian Mbappe (PSG)

You think Bayern Munich should have this tie in the bag, then you imagine the World Cup winning French speedster laying waste to Bayern’s notoriously high defensive line. Thomas Tuchel’s hopes of UCL glory may well rest on his shoulders.

Neymar (PSG)

He may have spurned a host of chances in the semi-final, but he was by far the most dangerous player on the pitch. If he finds his scoring form, he could very possibly turn the tide for the Parisians.

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Have you made your transfers for the Final round of matches? Whom do you think will win the Champions League Final? Do you still have any chips left to play? Please let us know in the comments, and please join us here for match-day chat!

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