United - Chelsea...it gets the blood pumping doesn't it!

Finally after seven long years the showpiece of English football is back where it belongs…Wembley Stadium, the home of English football.

So what kind of treat will these two teams serve up – a stale tactical battle or a rip roaring blood and thunder epic? It’s hard to say and given my recent predictions woes I’m sitting uncomfortably on the fence!

In reality it’s all about the match-ups so let’s break them down.

Lord Fergie v the 'Special One’

The war of words has been heating up since in recent weeks. Mourinho has been needling Ronaldo and claiming United get all the penalties. Ferguson responds that the ‘Special One’ is panicking and can’t handle losing.

Ferdinand v Drogba

Mr. Casual cannot let down for a milli-second with Drogba roaming however the Ivorian has only scored two goals in his last nine outings. Carrying the Blues for the last two months has seemingly taken it out of him. That won’t be an excuse for Rio as he’s been watching telly for the last few weeks.

Terry v Rooney

JT hasn’t looked the same since returning from back surgery and will have to dig deep to stop Rooney…if the boy is up for it. You can’t bet against Rooney on the big stage though.

Lampard v Carrick

Stamina is the name of the game for Lamps and the big Wembley pitch should suit him down to the ground. Carrick has started to look like he belongs in Manchester the last few months but how will he cope with the big occasion.

Scholes v J Cole

Mr. Consistency is the man to make United tick over and when he clicks they purr like a well oiled machine. Joe Cole, just back from injury is the one player who can make something out of nothing.

Ronaldo v A Cole

Stopping Ronaldo will ultimately be the key to this match. In Cup Final history wingers have either shone brightly or not had a kick. Ashley Cole has a chance to show that he’s not just about the money although an ankle problem could knock him out.

Cech v van der Sar

Cech is the best in the business while I think that Edwin may just be beginning to show his age.

Wild Cards

Essien: What a beast. He has the ability, strength and skill to carry Chelsea on his broad shoulders.

Giggs: They just don’t make them like this anymore. It’s not only about the legs but the mind. Giggs has made the ‘promised land’ his home over the past decade and always has something left in the tank.

Team News: Injuries have hit the Blues hard. The loss of Sheva, Ballack and more importantly Carvalho are massive. The Red Devils will be without Mr. Dependable, Gary Neville and the oft injured, Luis Saha.

Conclusion: I can’t help but feel United will win this one 2-1 if they get the early goal and claim the domestic league and cup double. There I said it, which now means Chelsea will romp to victory!