The battle for Moscow

LETSO MPHO
Staff Writer | Wednesday May 21, 2008 00:00

 

Moscow will be raved for a totally English-showcase after the two giants beat off strong contenders from European elite for a first all-English finish. Going into this finale - these two teams have proved harder-than-steel to break and opened suggestions from some cliques that they deserved this berth more than anyone else. United overcame the 2006 holders Barcelona while Chelsea's hammering of the 2005 champions, Liverpool escalated this meet's prominence. Certainly these teams have been the dazzling sides in football circles this season. The English champions, Manchester United recently lifted the Barclays Premiership title, beating a very difficult challenge from the London side. Chelsea themselves trailed United by two points after the last match day, but before then the differences between the two sides was relatively minor. If they were ever a tough battle between two clubs, it has never come to this situation.

Chelsea is favourably poised to spoil United's double and it is a salutation observation by the London side faithful who are looking forward to a prize after a brilliant campaign.

However, this may be a different game altogether from their last meeting at Stamford Bridge when United were thrashed 2-1. If Chelsea are keen on their hopes to lift a first-ever honour in this competition, this is the perfect time looking at the number of the highly-rated players in their squad. A number of observers predicted a break-up or make-up for Chelsea in the off-season and a victory might bring consolidation at Stamford. Man United are also looking forward to increasing their tallies of just two victories in this prestigious competition.

In tonight's encounter, Chelsea will bolster a bigger and healthier squad with vast numbers of renowned match-winners. The return of their skipper John Terry and his fellow defender Ricardo Carvalho has boosted the Londoners' chances of victory. Their prolific marksman Didier Drogba has also recovered from the jarred knee and will be, as usual, key in their scoring department. Realistically, coach Arvam Grant must have got more than what he bargained for after the Bolton game injuries. This is a perfectly set scenario for the first finalists who also bolster very strong midfielders in Claudio Makelele, Frank Lampard and on-form Michael Ballack. Without doubt, Chelsea will be the stronger side on the night.

On the other hand, United will rely on their ability in attack  if they are to win this one.

Truthfully, their strength is aligned with the surging runs of their wingers in Ryan Giggs and Cristiano Ronaldo from the midfield. They also have good forwards in the likes of Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez, though it is highly unlikely that United coach Sir Alex Ferguson will deploy two front men on this one. United team may benefit from their experiences in Europe above the muscular Chelsea team. But if you measure up these two teams' talent for talent, Chelsea has a slim advantage. But this is football and therefore a final of this magnitude will always have a revelation of some kind.

Analytically, this one is going down to the wire and the winner might be found within a narrow margin. With this one - the winner is bound to take it all, because this is the battle for Europe. 

Kick-off time is tonight at 2045 hours.