Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
In making it this far Atletico have had to overcome the two pre-tournament favourites in Barcelona and Bayern Munich, so few could argue that they deserve their place in the final, with the chance to complete a clean sweep of giant killings against rivals Real Madrid. With Simeone’s men entering the game in good shape compared to the final two years ago, with both Diego Costa and Arda Turan injured, the underdogs with the bookies will fancy their chances.
If you don’t have complete faith in the fact that Atletico may win outright though, there is a tempting bet to take advantage of. Having held the lead for so long when these sides met in Lisbon, Simeone will hope his side can get the upper hand again and the odds @2.10 on Atleti to win either half are enticing. If you need justification, in the last 12 meetings between these sides Los Colchoneros have won one half or another on 8 occasions.
Hull vs Sheffield Wednesday
As is generally the case in games of such significance, with so much at stake for either side, things can be a little cagey early on. With just one goal apiece across the two meetings between the sides this season that looks likely to be the case once again, but as legs tire and stakes rise later on in the match I’d tip this one to open up at both ends. When considering no side scored more second half goals in the regular Championship season than Sheffield Wednesday (45), and the fact that Hull weren’t far behind (38), I’m backing over 1.5 goals in the second half @2.62 with William Hill.
If Real Madrid take the lead, which certainly isn’t out of the question, then things could open up for them. We could see a much different Atletico if they are tasked with chasing the game as opposed to protecting a lead. I think Real Madrid, if they’re on it from the start, might just have too much firepower and therefore I’m going with Real Madrid to win by two or more goals, or -1 handicap. At odds of 9/2 with William Hill this looks a good bet.
Not only do the Tigers have an experienced manager, they also have experienced players and none more so than Michael Dawson and Curtis Davies at the back, who I do not think Sheffield Wednesday will be able to find a way past.
There is no real value in backing a straight Hull win so I would go with ‘Only Hull to score’ at 9/4.