By Oli Dinsmore ⋅ May 19, 2008 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Champions League, Chelsea, Manchester United

Champions League Final: Chelsea versus Manchester United, Wednesday 1945 BST

If the hype surrounding the Champions League Final is already intense, this is surely still the quiet before the storm.

Because in two short days we will be well and truly within the bounds of the match build up and, by then, most of the front pages will mirror their rears in speculating about the first all English European Cup Final in football history. If you love English football it’s big. If you support either side it’s seminal and if you support both teams, well you’re Ray Wilkins.

Carlos Tevez will play an integral role for Man Utd

And what a great leveller the Champions League final is. Even a month ago, United fans were licking their lips at the prospect of facing a stuttering Chelsea in Moscow. Most would have preferred to play the under-performing Blues than face a resurgent and more coherent Liverpool team with a Torres at the helm. But now it doesn’t seem quite such a simple equation. Indeed, many now have Chelsea down as favourites.

As the season entered its final furlong, it was Chelsea who were improving and United who started to show a slight dip in form and energy levels. And whilst Avram Grant’s detractors haven’t been completely silenced by his recent management, a lot more respect is now being shown.

Grant remains an enigma but his team have recently found a footballing unity that wasn’t apparent for long spells in the campaign.

In Chelsea’s defence, they have had an injury and absentee list that would have put most clubs out of business this season. Since the big boys, Lampard, Drogba, Essien, Ballack and Terry have returned and got match time together, the Blues have gained confidence and ground out some crucial results, temporarily closing a five point gap on United in the league and reaching a European Cup final for the first time.

In April, Chelsea won the Battle of the Bridge but in May, United claimed their 10th Premier League crown in 16 seasons and, in so doing, won the first war. Whether this result will have a psychological impact on either of the teams, prior to or during the final, is questionable. Both are absolutely desperate to win and thoughts of recent success or failure will surely take a back seat as the players walk out onto the pitch.

And what players. You would have a pretty sensational final even if both managers picked their second elevens. Injury permitting, this final will showcase some of the finest talents that football has seen. There are probably five key players in each team who will decide the outcome. But, in a potentially tense affair, which of these stellar individuals will offer the defining moment of the game?

Chelsea

Didier Drogba – Fitness permitting, Drogba could be Chelsea’s match-winner. Although injury, unrest and internationals have been unconducive to Didier’s form this season, recent performances indicate that he could still have a major say in the outcome of this game. At his best, he can ruffle the feathers of any centre-back in the world.

Michael Essien -  Once described as ‘a one man wrecking machine’, Essien is arguably the very best of Chelsea’s players. Hard to imagine a team in the world that he wouldn’t walk into. Too often played at right back this season but, in his favoured central midfield position, he can curtail the ambitions of any opponent. Likes the odd 35-yard goal now and again too. Almost inhuman.

Petr Cech – Before he suffered that horrific head injury last season, there was no real argument that Cech was the best keeper in the world. He seems to have lost a little confidence since that dreadful day and a subsequent gashed mouth, requiring fifty-odd stitches, didn’t help matters. Still one of the best, but it’s no longer a foregone conclusion that he can save Chelsea every time. But if Cech has a good game, United will find the Blues’ defence almost impregnable.

Frank Lampard – Another who has had recent misfortune. Fans nationwide felt his sadness when he emotionally celebrated his goal against Liverpool and surely none would have begrudged him it. In a team of ifs and buts Lampard is another who could be either astonishing or anonymous, but his goal ratio means that he is a definite threat in a game where the odd goal could win it.

Ricardo Carvalho – Some would argue that Terry is more key to Chelsea but with the Englishman in and out of the team due to injury, Carvalho has had to lead the defence for Chelsea for chunks of the season. A wonderful professional. Partly culpable for Rooney’s goal at Stamford Bridge, but otherwise rarely caught out. Along with Cech, Carvalho will have to be at his best if Chelsea are to lift the crown.

Manchester United

Cristiano Ronaldo – What is left to say about the boy from Madeira? And am I imagining things or is he actually still getting better? Just when you think you have seen the whole repertoire, the entire treasure chest of tricks, Ronaldo does something new and even more beautiful on the eye. And, crucially, Ronaldo is as effective as he is skillful. Will be crowned as the true successor to George Best with a top performance in Moscow.

Wayne Rooney – His season was interrupted by injury but still the first name on the team sheet when fit. Crucial to the backbone of the side and offers so much more than just goals. Without him United can look rudderless. Despite his own ‘rudderless’ moments, if one player embodies the spirit of United it is Rooney. A finer example of ‘brawn meets art’ you will not see.  Rooney is a proven match-winner.

Rio Ferdinand – At 29, Rio is probably right at the peak of his powers. This season he’s been even more consistent than last, and is the must have player in United’s defence. Vidic may have improved him but Rio was always world-class. If anyone can handle a hot Drogba, it’s him.

Patrice Evra – An odd choice you may think, but if Ronaldo hadn’t played quite so well this season, he’d have a fight on his hands with Evra for most consistent performer. Excellent in defence and attack, pacy, precise and resilient, there are few, if any, more effective left-backs in the world. If the game is tight, Evra’s attacking instincts may be crucial to United.

So many good players, who could turn the match in a moment. And there is one guy I have left until last because I just have a hunch that whilst all the other stars are battling for individual supremacy he might just sneak in the back door and decide the destination of the trophy.

Despite a slow start to his career at United, little Carlos Tevez is now on fire. As his fitness has improved so his form has mushroomed. Tevez is such a shrewd player, letting the opposition believe he’s spent with half an hour to go before popping up with a crucial winner or equaliser. He’s a quiet assassin who gives everything for the shirt. In a jewel encrusted final, I feel that the Argentine could ultimately shine the brightest and nick the winning goal by slipping under the radar at a crucial time.

Whatever happens, the excitement is growing almost by the hour and come Wedensday evening, we could be treated to one of the great Champions League Finals.

Tags: Alex Ferguson, Avram Grant, Carlos Tevez, Champions League, Cristiano Ronaldo, Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, Michael Essien, Patrice Evra, Petr Cech, Ricardo Carvalho, Rio Ferdinand, Wayne Rooney

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