Ballack - Don't write off Blues

Michael Ballack: Looking forward to the Champions League final between former clubs Chelsea and Bayern Munich

Former Germany captain Michael Ballack insists Chelsea can upset the odds and win the UEFA Champions League this weekend.

Opponents Bayern Munich are strong favourites to beat the Blues in Saturday's final at their Allianz Arena stadium.

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Ballack, who spent four seasons with Bayern before switching to Chelsea in 2006, believes the German side have a major advantage by playing at home.

But the Blues provided a huge shock when they showed their fighting spirit to overcome reigning champions Barcelona in a memorable semi-final triumph last month.

Hungry

"Of course Chelsea can upset the odds - they did it against Barcelona," Ballack, 35, told Chelsea TV.

"Everything looks like Bayern are favourites, they are playing at home which is a big advantage in a final.

"They kicked out Real Madrid in the semis, and although they were two tight games, they deserved it.

"They have a good team and were in the final two years ago, when they lost against Inter Milan, so they're very hungry.

"But Chelsea know their strengths and know their quality.

"They've had a difficult season but in the last few weeks have showed what they can do.

"They play exactly how they know they have to in order to win and they still have unbelievable quality."