Manchester United-Barcelona: Who Will Reign in Rome?

On May 27, in Rome's Olympico Stadium, Manchester United will aim to achieve a feat which no team has ever achieved before, retaining the UEFA Champions League.

Before the European showpiece became the Champions League, AC Milan did win successive titles in 1989 and 1990 but the Red Devils are hoping to write their own name in history books.

Manchester United, Champions of England.

Barcelona, Champions of Spain.

It's a match that is being billed as perhaps one of the greatest cup finals in the history of the game, whether it lives up to the hype or not, only time will tell.

However, what is for sure is, both teams boast of some of the best attacking players in the world.

Barcelona's attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry have had a devastating impact on all of their opponents in this season's competition.

However, Manchester United with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov and Cristiano Ronaldo are not too far behind.

Both teams are will be missing a couple of key players. Barcelona have both their first-choice wingbacks, Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal suspended while Andres Iniesta and Thierry Henry are struggling to be fit for Wednesday's clash.

Manchester United's Darren Fletcher will miss the final after United's appeal to reverse the 'wrong' decision made by Roberto Rosetti in United's semifinal against Arsenal was rejected.

Rio Ferdinand is another doubt for the final, but the English centre-back is confident of making an appearance in Rome.

It is unlikely to be a case of Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi, bothplayers are absolutely sensational in their own right but it will interesting to see which of the two ends up with a winner's medal.

Barcelona's run to the final has been driven by consistent performances from their dark horses in midfield, Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta. United will need to keep a close eye on the duo.

United's old-boys Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs are likely to compete to fill the vacancy created by Darren Fletcher's suspension, unless Sir Alex Ferguson starts with either Ji Sung Park or Carlos Tevez in rather attacking formation.

Personally, I think it will be a rather close game, I can't see it going to penalties or extra time for that matter, it should be decided within the 90 minutes.

Expect high-flying tackles, long distance strikes and an extremely physical approach to the game. I predict a final score of 2-1, probably with the Red Devils retaining their crown, but I won't be counting out the Catalan Giants just yet.

It should be a fierce contest. Sir Alex Ferguson, with all his experience and the undying spirit that Pep Guardiola brings into Barca's game.