Champions League Final

Manchester United vs Chelsea

Today is the day to settle who is the best in Europe. Can Sir Alex Ferguson guide his team of mixed talents and experience to glory? Or can Avram Grant produce a Cinderella story after a dramatic first season? Sir Alex Ferguson has two European Cup under his belt, but it has been almost a decade since hes lifted the trophy or even reached the final. Avram Grant's side have nothing to lose as they could end the season trophyless. I've pulled together a few you-need-to-know's ahead of the big final. Putting aside the fact that I am a Manchester United fanatic, I really feel that this going to be a very tight game just like last season's FA Cup Final. One slip up and the game will swing towards opponent.

Statistics:
In the last 5 meetings Manchester United won 1 game, drew twice and lost twice with Chelsea losing at Avram Grant's first game in charge. Having said that, high-flying Cristiano Ronaldo haven't score against Chelsea. Yes, Ronaldo is the Champions League's top scorer bagging 7 goals this season. Right behind him is recently on fire Didier Drogba with 6 Champions League goals. These two goal machines will be playing their first ever Final and are linked to summer moves to La Liga. This might be Chelsea's first Final but they have players who has been in the final and some even tasted European Glory. Carvalho won it with FC Porto, Ballack won it with Bayern Munich, Makelele won it with Real Madrid and Ashley Cole was runner up with Arsenal.

Manchester United on the other hand has Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Wes Brown from the Treble Winning Class of 98-99 season. And there's Owen Hargreaves who won the Cup with Ballack during their Bayern Munich years.

Strengths

Manchester United - United's Holy Trinity (Ronaldo, Rooney and Tevez) is well known for creating goals out of nothing. The trio scored 57 goals together in the Premier League. Wes Brown was the weak link for the best defense, which conceded 22 goals all season, in the League during the early stages of the season but has gained confidence lately. Main weakness of United is the young minds; if provoked could spell disaster.

Chelsea - On a good day Chelsea is very difficult to beat. The midfield is practially occupied by legends. The defense rarely makes mistakes which all points towards the attacking players whether they can perform or not. Drogba is not consistent throughout this season and the other striking option lays upon Anelka. Good substituion timing will be key for Chelsea as they did against Liverpool.

Possible Head-to-Head's

Seeing that Manchester United limited their attacking display against Barcelona; the Holy Trinity will be raring to produce mouth watering combination. Cole will have to try stop Ronaldo's run and Terry will have to on top form to battle strengths against Tevez and Rooney. Paul Scholes has finally found his shooting boots with that wonder goal against Barca. However United cannot afford to slip up in midfield with Makelele, Lampard and Ballack are capable of producing chances.

Possible Result

Although most betting companies are putting the odds against Manchester United given the statistics, I believe Manchester United will win the Final since all the players are fit and on top form.

Ok, break time is over. Its time for me to return to my studies. Hopefully I've dropped enough football knowledge. For the fun of it, if Metis dare take up my challenge; if Manchester United wins the Champions League he will be my bitch for a weekend. Well, if the result is the other way round (touch wood) the deal will be vice versa. Deal? Hahaha... I DARE YOU BOY.

Watch the Game people,
the12thplayer