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New England Patriots @ Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, live on Sky Sports

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To end the pain, the Atlanta Falcons must end the reign of the New England Patriots

And then there were two. The New England Patriots take on the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI, live from Houston, Texas.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will go for his - and the organisation's - fifth Vince Lombardi trophy, having most recently triumphed in 2015 against the Seattle Seahawks.

Meanwhile, the Falcons have made the big game for only the second time in franchise history, after losing 34-19 to the Denver Broncos in 1998.

So who comes out on top this weekend? Sky Sports takes a look at how both teams can claim victory in the 51st Super Bowl. Watch live on Sky Sports 1 HD and Sky Sports Mix from 10pm on Sunday.

Live NFL Super Bowl LI

How the Patriots win the Super Bowl

Tom Terrific

The stage is set for Brady. Hit with a four-game suspension for his role in 'Deflategate' Brady has come back stronger than ever, losing just one game all season. The 39-year old is chasing his fifth ring, and has shown no signs of letting age slow him down.

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 01:  Robert Kraft, owner and CEO of the New England Patriots, attends NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's press conference at the Georg
Image: Robert Kraft said he was disappointed by the NFL's handling of 'Deflategate'

Revenge is sweet

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It isn't just Brady that has a chip on his shoulder. In an exclusive interview with Robert Kraft, the Patriots owner said victory number five would be the sweetest yet, after the NFL mishandled Brady and the organisation.

Though they have remained tight lipped throughout the week, expect a fired up team come Sunday.

Patriots - Road to the Super Bowl
Patriots - Road to the Super Bowl

How did the New England Patriots make it to the big game? Sky Sports looks back at their 2016 season

The meanest defence

The Patriots don't allow teams to score many points. They're so good at it, opposition teams averaged less than 17 points per game against New England.

If defensive coordinator Matt Patricia can engineer a performance that slows down the Falcons attack, it will be his greatest achievement to date, and hand the advantage to the four-time champs.

NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES:  New England Patriots' quarterback Tom Brady celebrates with head coach Bill Belichick (R) after their win over the St. Louis R
Image: Brady and Belichick have been here before - six times as a duo. That experience could prove invaluable

Experience counts

The majority of New England's roster are used to the rigmarole of Super Bowl week. They've been there, done that, and have the experience to pass on to younger members of the team.

In contrast, the Falcons have just four players who have been involved in the NFL's premier match-up. Not being intimidated by the stage will go a long way in finding the winner.

Falcons - Road to the Super Bowl
Falcons - Road to the Super Bowl

Atlanta will meet New England in Super Bowl LI, but how did they get there?

How the Falcons win the Super Bowl

Red hot offence

It's all well and good leading the NFL in points scored during the regular season. But this team made everyone sit up and take note in January, scoring 80 points in just two play-off games, as they tore apart the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers.

With 13 different touchdown scorers this year - an NFL record - this offence is as diverse as they come, masterminded by offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Reports suggest Shanahan will leave for the San Francisco head coach job when the season is over, but delivering Atlanta's first Super Bowl trophy would be quite a way to go out.

Matt Ryan and  Julio Jones come celebrate after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks
Image: Touchdowns have been in plentiful suppy for Atlanta, who hope to continue their 40-point play-off average in the Super Bowl

Cool as Ice

Atlanta QB Matt Ryan has earned the nickname 'Matty Ice', and for good reason. The favourite for regular season MVP, Ryan has been instrumental in a historic year for both player and team.

As the Falcons bade goodbye to their Georgia Dome stadium, Ryan broke the organisation's season-points record, while leading the league in yards per passing attempt, as well as yards per completion.

The brotherhood is real

One recurring question from Falcons press conferences is about the legitimacy of 'the brotherhood'. Atlanta's players have talked repeatedly of a bond that goes beyond teammates, and when asked about it this week, the message was the same.

These players have deep friendships, off the field as well as on, and it is evident even when they are meeting with the media. This team is playing hard for each other, and the city too.

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 9:  Quarterback Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos loses the ball while pursued by  outside linebacker Vic Beasley #44 of the Atla
Image: Vic Beasley led the league in sacks this year, and will aim to make Brady nervous

Don't doubt the D

Though it took a little while to emerge, head coach Dan Quinn has his defence playing tough. As defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, Quinn both won and lost Super Bowls.

With a blend of experience and youth, this defence is aggressive and looks to get after the quarterback. Having the 2016 sack-leader Vic Beasley in the ranks will almost certainly put Brady under pressure, and could force mistakes.

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