They are both there on merit. Chelsea and Manchester United have proved themselves as the two strongest sides in Europe. What has seemingly set them apart from the rest of Europe's elite is their respective strength in depth. Manchester United have virtually the same squad as last year, but with the addition of last summer's four signings, whom without, particularly Carlos Tevez, it is difficult to envisage that the Old Trafford outit would have progressed to the Champions League final.
Chelsea have finally gone one better than the last four stage of the competition and reached the final. In the business end of the season the Blues can look to the impressive form of Michael Ballack for providing their missing link. Signed specifically with Champions League success in mind, the German captain is finally proving his worth to the London club with a string of outstanding displays.
Factors that Could Decide the Game's Outcome
Now that the premiership has been decided and the title is staying at Old Trafford for another year, there has been the inevitable suggestion that Manchester United have gained a psychological advantage over Chelsea. This may or may not be the case, however, a more important factor for Avram Grant wil be how to defeat Sir Alex Ferguson's team potentially without the striker Didier Drogba, and John Terry, both of whom sustained injuries against Bolton.
It is often said that the two sides are the antithesis of one another; the attacking flair of Manchester United against the defence-minded Chelsea. Ferguson will have virtually a full-strength United side and on the back of victory in the premier league, the Old Trafford outfit may well have the momentum to see off the Blues. From the early stages of the season the league was always a game of catch-up for Chelsea, but Europe is different. Rather than feel dispirited over Manchester United's victory, they will surely sense that, with the European Cup they can take home the greatest prize in football, particularly after beating their prospective opponents 2-1 in April.
The confidence instilled in the Chelsea squad from the Jose Mourinho reign is still there. Undoubtedly Chelsea still believe themselves to be the best side in England, a side that have had to overcome a number of seemingly insurmountable obstacles to get to where they now find themselves. The outrage surrounding Mourinho's departure from Stamford Bridge looked certain to have derailed any chance Chelsea had of a successful season. However, the bond engendered by the Portuguese between the players, particularly regarding Cech, Terry, Lampard, Joe Cole and Drogba, the core of the team, has hauled them through, which saw them run Manchester United to the last for the league title and they now stand on the verge of European glory.
How the Final Could be Won
If United play their normal game and their best players perform, it is difficult to see them lose to their London rivals. Wayne Rooney looked sharp against Wigan, especially regarding his through-ball to Giggs for the second goal. Along with Tevez and Ronaldo, if the trio are firing on all cylinders Chelsea's defence may well have to give their best performance of the season to stop United from scoring.
In Chelsea's favour, the 2-1 victory over United in April was thoroughly deserved in a match that they dominated. Michael Ballack was an inspiration in midfield, as Chelsea attacked the Red half relentlessly over 90 minutes. But that was a game Chelsea had to win, whereas if the Red Devils lost, the fate of the league was still in their own hands. Sir Alex Ferguson was also wary of the Barcelona game two days later, which saw Cristiano Ronaldo start the game at Stamford Bridge on the bench.
Although Manchester United have the best defensive record in the premier league, should Didier Drogba recover from his injury in time, he could make the difference. When he wants to be, the Ivorian striker is capable of producing a goal against any opposition defence, even if at its heart stand the near impregnable Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand.
Both teams have formidable defensive units as well as individuals in attack who can produce something special. Perhaps though, the likely outcome will be that of both sides cancelling each other out, with a goal coming from an individual mistake.
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