Having two Premier League sides in the Champions League final is a huge boost for our standing in European football.
For the last two seasons we've had three teams in the semi-finals and this year we could have had all four if the draw had worked out differently - that shows how good the Premier League is at the moment.
Luzhniki stadium: set to host final
But there is a downside to having two English teams in the final - defeat to a team from your own country will be even more damaging to the loser.
I've spoken to a lot of Liverpool fans who feel they could never have lived it down if they'd lost to Manchester United in the Champions League final - and I know some Man United fans feel the same.
Defeat to a team from your own country will be even more damaging to the loser.
Phil Thompson
Quotes of the week
Manchester United v Chelsea
6pm, Wednesday
Sky Sports 1 & HD1
Click here for live listings
Either Chelsea or Man United fans will have to live with defeat in this game and it will be hard to take. It will be even harder for the players to pick themselves up afterwards and the coaches of the losing finalists will have a big task on their hands to raise spirits again.
Defeat would be most damaging to Chelsea because United have already got one trophy tucked away, having pipped the Blues to the Premier League title.
United will go into the final full of confidence, but perhaps the team that has just lost out will have even more motivation.
In 1977, Liverpool had just lost the FA Cup final to Manchester United and they had to go and play in a European Cup final four days later. The FA Cup defeat united the group, bonded everybody together and there was no way they were going to lose again.
I feel Chelsea will have moved on from their title disappointment and they should be congratulated for getting as close as they did. However, they will use that defeat as motivation for Moscow.
Adventurous
I'm hoping for a magnificent final because while United are the more attractive side, Chelsea were in better form towards the end of the season. Avram Grant's side have become more adventurous in the last couple of months and have reaped the rewards.
I expect the two teams to line up in a similar way with a 4-3-3 formation. That means the midfield will be packed and the two teams could cancel each other out, but I'm hoping we could actually see an attacking game.
Often big games like this fail to produce exciting football, but both managers have plenty of talent at their disposal and might tell their players to go and put on a show, I certainly hope so because the whole world will be watching.
I think United will start with a front three of Carlos Tevez, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo - so they won't have as much width as Chelsea who'll have Joe Cole on one side and either Salomon Kalou or Florent Malouda on the other.
That means winning possession of the football in the midfield area will be very important. Paul Scholes, Michael Carrick and possibly Owen Hargreaves could be in a tight midfield against Michael Ballack, Frank Lampard and Claude Makelele - and that particular battle has me licking my lips.
It will be crowded in midfield so the players who can get on the ball and pass it will be crucial. United have always been the better side in that respect and it's an area Chelsea know they will have to dominate.
In that area, Scholes will be the key player because he influences everything that's good about Man United. When he wins the ball, he's always looking to get it forward to one of the front three.
That's in complete contrast to Makelele who plays it very simple - mainly sideways - when he has it. But while Scholes can force the game, sometimes he gives it away which Makelele hardly ever does. Ninety-five per-cent of the time he retains possession, so that will be a key battle.
Fired up
It's very important to handle yourself properly in the build-up to a game like this. The players won't need any motivation and even the most laid-back person will be fired up for this one.
You need to control your emotions because if you tip over the edge, you might freeze, so the coaches will need to clam the players down rather than trying to gee them up.
However, both teams are full of top-quality international players and I think both teams will relish the challenge. You look all around and there are players who've played games at the very highest level.
These players know what it's like to win trophies and titles, but I still expect they will get nervous before the game.
It all adds up to what should be an absolutely fascinating game.
Thommo's call
UNITED WIN - I'm hoping and praying we see a fantastic display from both teams and I'm calling it as 3-2 to Manchester United.
Comments (22)
James Knapp (Manchester United fan) says...
I think this game will depend on the first half. An early goal would spur on an open game with a few goals going in with the game going either way. On the other hand if the first half is goaless then i can see Chelsea skanking it in the last minutes like the FA Cup. I think everyone is agreed that United play the better football but so many times Chelsea put on a boring performance, stop the other team playing and get a lucky goal. That is what Chelsea are all about. I am praying for an early goal to spark a memorable encounter. I want the world to see just how good the English Premier League is. It would be a shame if it was destroyed by negative players. Come On United!!! I want to see fast attacking free flowing football!!!! If we do that, we wil win.
Posted 12:16 21st May 2008
Fred the red's Best mate (Manchester United fan) says...
United to win easily, united will dominate the first 30 mins and then the next hour after that. Rooney gets an early goal in the opening 15 to settle the butterflies, United will continue to dominate and score again just before half time Giggsy finishing a scramble after a corner Chelsea fail to deal with. Chelsea push on second half knowing they need goals and with the match now opening up United have the dominance and composure to finish it off with 3 or 4 more goals in the second half, Rooney with 2, Ronaldo getting 1 in the "big game" and Teves finishing off the rout. In between Drogba is sent off for second yellow after diving like the Mexican Tree Frog after his first came in the first half after the ref decided he'd just book him coz he doesn't like cheaters or frogs! Fergie celebrates this weekend whilst Grant heads down the job centre to find out how much he'd get paid managing at McDonald's...It's not enough to fix his teeth! In all seriousness though Grant should stay at Chelsea and the speculation of his future is unfair on the man he's done a great job even if he is managing Chelsea. Anyways 6-0 Man united!
Posted 07:23 21st May 2008
Abe Dude (Manchester United fan) says...
Let us just hope we see a game of football - not a bunch of wimps trying to get free kicks & penalties all night. Also, no injuries or red cards please lads... this is a showpiece game which I hope will advertise only the best things in English Premiership footie! My prediction? 1-0 United AET.... (come on United!)
Posted 21:17 20th May 2008
Chris Hailey (Chelsea fan) says...
As a Chelsea fan im going to say Chelsea, but being honest here i do honestly beleive that we will win the game 2-1 or 1-0! I think Drogba and Lampard/Ballack will score for us, even an underdog to score Kalou/Malouda could nick it for the Blues! To be honest if we play Essien at right back..... GOOD! becuase if it isnt going our way we can take off makelele and bring on Ferriera/Belletti and bring Essien in to midfield and let him bomb down the pitch to attack and pin in balls to the strikers. COME ON CHELSEAAAAA!!!
Posted 20:23 20th May 2008
Peter Akinyemi (Arsenal fan) says...
Man u play the better style of football, but i believe that the game will be decided by the team that wins the midfield battle, Chelsea have the edge as they are more stronger in that department. If Chelsea can keep Ronaldo quiet chelsea have lot of match winners all over the pitch, therefore i am going for a 1-0 win to Chelsea
Posted 20:23 20th May 2008
Pravin Patel (Manchester United fan) says...
Both good sides, but United to win 2.1 in extra time.
Posted 19:59 20th May 2008
Tunde Sanni (Manchester United fan) says...
Though I hate saying this as a Man U fan, I honestly think chelsea will win it with the odd goal. Apart from chelsea having the 'indian sign' over us, I just don't see how fergie's tactics will see us overcome that fantastic midfield of ballack, lampard and possibly essien, with makelele cleaning up behind. But I will still be willing the rooney, ronaldo and co,on when they step out on to the pitch tomorrow......
Posted 18:18 20th May 2008
Ben Dreyfuss (Manchester United fan) says...
With both teams so up for this one, it'll definitely be a cracker. I feel United will have the mental edge having just won the league and confidence soaring. Chelsea's experience in age will be their main asset however the mixed bag of experience and youth at United may prove crucial. I believe the game will be much more open than people predict with both managers desperate to win it. Tevez to come up big as he's done recently in the big games, scoring a brace and Rooney getting on the score sheet as well. 3-1 United.
Posted 18:08 20th May 2008
Richard Doyle (Manchester United fan) says...
If United can contain the Chelsky Midfield ( Lampard and Essien) they will win. Chelsea have the ability but lack confidence after losing the league and united are on a high so it can and will only go one way. I will keep telling myself this because somewhere deep inside chelsea worry me.
Posted 17:58 20th May 2008
Henry/tom Francklin/faulkner (Manchester United fan) says...
Man Utd 6-1 Rooney, 14mins, set up by scholes after a dainty flick by Wes Brown Lampard, 19mins, four deflections and offside Ronaldo, free kick top left, 35.5 yards Evra, 44 mins, direct run down left, cut in and drising left footed strike, Giggs, 64 mins, brilliant header in record breaking game! Ji-Sung Park, 72 mins, miss hit, deflected and bar and in, Tevez, beats six, rounds the keeper and seals victory!
Posted 17:33 20th May 2008
Allen Asante (Chelsea fan) says...
This game is going to be a difficult game for both teams.Man utd has a good team ahead of this match while Chelsea also have everything to play for.I don't expect too many goals in this match but rather a 2-1 or 1-0 for Chelsea.
Posted 17:03 20th May 2008
Steven Parker (Chelsea fan) says...
Personnaly i believe that Kalou will be the guy at Chelsea if playing to impress he played brilliant last game against United and no one could keep him under control he will link up with Drogba nicely securing another goal for Drogba leaving it 2-0 before half time to Chelsea with either side making close chances. The second half will be nail biting but Chelsea in the region between 60-75 mins will sore Ballack or Cole and maybe a goal for Cech if were lucky ;)
Posted 16:48 20th May 2008
Ryan Cahoon (Manchester United fan) says...
in response to dave robb how can u possibly call yourself a true united fan and you are predicting chelsea to win in my opinion chelsea will grind for as long as they posibly can and uited will find it hard but united have much moe flair and attack when it come to th big stage so many peole talk of frank lampard being a danger but if he doesnt score what else does he contribute i think ferge will have his tem selection spot on and he has the experience i would love to agree with thommo on the scoreline but i dont tink we will concede twice there fore ill be going for a 2-1 victory to united with rooney scoring both
Posted 16:42 20th May 2008
Anthony Braithwaite (Manchester United fan) says...
I don't agree it is going to be a high scoring game. I agree with Thompson that it will be a massive battle in the midfield, but I just think with scholes being amazing all season and having missed out on the 99 final, it's going to give him more incentive to win the game. Also, the chelsea dressing room has been under unrest with what's been going on about Drogba leaving, Lampard maybe leaving, and with UTD hasving confidence from already winning the league I think that will help the players stay calm, while chelsea may be more nervous as they haven't won any silverware this season. I think Fergie should definately buy a forward this summer, maybe Fabiano from Sevilla or Eto'o, and a right-back. We should definately sign Tevez on a permanent deal, I juts heard on the news conference on sky sports news, David Gill is working on signing him permanently he is an amazing player, never stops working for the team and hopefully he can play amazing tomorrow. CME ON UTD!!! I think it will be 1-0 UTD, or 2-1 UTD
Posted 15:44 20th May 2008
Dave Robb (Manchester United fan) says...
I am a Manchester United fan but I am amazed at the number of 'so called' experts who have tipped United to win the final. Apart from the Old Trafford result this year when Chelsea were suffering post Jose blues, and the 1-0 win a few years ago when Chelsea looked to be over complacent, Chelsea have the indian sign over United and have beaten them in every important match played between the clubs in the last 4 years. I predict that, on a bad 'anti footballing' pitch, Chelsea will bully United out of it and will win 1-0 with Dhrodba scoring the winner in the final 10 minutes (as usual). I will be disappointed as will all United fans but we will get over it, apart from the 10,000 hooligans who will probably spend the next 6 months in Siberia.
Posted 14:50 20th May 2008
Leo Ridgeway (Manchester United fan) says...
I Agree with Thommo that United will win it, well of course I would as I am a United head. Looking forward to this so much as the 2 best teams in the League go head 2 head. United are the better side, by nothing much, we have the best defence in the League & The Top Goalscorer ( 31 ) Ronaldo needs to get his game plan Right in this one, if he hides it will be like playing with 10 men as he does nothing off the ball. Wayne Rooney to score the winner & United to bring her BACK HOME !!!!!! Come On United !!!!!!
Posted 14:21 20th May 2008
Craig Ripley (Chelsea fan) says...
I believe that the outcome of the game lies with Grant's decision on Essien. Thats how close this is going to be. If he plays Essien, Lampard and Ballack in the midfield I can't see United being able to cope. Ferreira is better defensively than Belletti so he should play right back allowing Essien to dominate where he is the most effective. Whatever Ferguson and Grant decide this game is going to be tight and nerve racking. I think Drogba's need to impress potential employers will mean we see the dangerous, threatening Didier rather than the balet dancer. Im going for a 2-0 Chelsea win....Drogba and Lampard to score..
Posted 14:05 20th May 2008
Mike C (Chelsea fan) says...
This game is too close to call. I think whoever manages to win the midfield battle will win the game, and as a Chelsea fan obviously i hope thats Chelsea. I think if The Blues play with an actual right back in the right back position and Essien in his preferred central midfield position along side Lampard and Ballack i think Chelsea will dominate. Essien has been in top form this season and i think he'll be the key. Chelsea's main problem as i see it is scoring goals in key games. With Drogba in the shop window on Wednesday night i think he'll need a good performance to get that transfer he wants so much and i reckon he'll do it. I disagree with Thommos scoreline i doubt there'll be 5 goals. I'm going for 1-0 to Chelsea. COME ON THE BLUES!!!!
Posted 13:37 20th May 2008
Phil Rigby (Manchester United fan) says...
I have not always been a fan of Phil Thompson with his Liverpool links but this story is spot on. Although I am not so sure it will be as high scoring as Phil predicts. Everyone will be hoping for an entertaining masterpiece to showcase the thrilling talent the English Premier League has to offer but I seriously doubt there will be a goal feast. Both teams have a solid defence from which to build and the solid base from which to attack. So I am predicting a tight affair with the odd goal maybe nicking it. I will go for 1-0 to Man United with Wayne Rooney scoring the winner. Rooney will be determined to get in on the action as he has been in Ronaldo's shadow all season but a goal tomorrow night will etch his name in Uniteds folk law. Also he will be seething after getting injured in the last game and so he should be fired up for this one. Come on United bring the gold home :):):)
Posted 13:27 20th May 2008
Robert Hope (Manchester United fan) says...
Good to see that both managers have virtually a full strength squad to pick from, so no moaning after the game about absentees making the difference. The Chelsea squad looks very good and many of them have played less games that the Man U players, but I feel that the United boys have been taking it easy lately and reserving themself for one great game. Go on Alex!
Posted 12:39 20th May 2008
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