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For the first time in the history of the European Cup, this epic final showcasing the pinnacle of talent playing on the continent will be contested between the two top English teams; Chelsea and Manchester United.

Earlier in the season the outrageous ‘Game 39’ proposal of playing an extra round of matches at neutral venues outside England was met with fierce criticism but it seems as the thinkers behind the idea have somehow got what they wanted… to an extent.

Both teams can boast talent all over the pitch, but like Chelsea’s Juliano Belletti who may not be the first name you think of to be a match winner, but his goal proved to be decisive for Barcelona toppling Arsenal in the 2006 final.

Knowing your football may not be enough for this game. They have met three times this season; The FA Community Shield in August where the 1-1 draw was decided on penalties which Manchester United won, at Old Trafford in September with United winning 2-0 and most recently almost a month ago at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea emerging victorious.

However with most recent form, injuries, psychological mind games, the future for some players and team selection all being resulting factors choosing a winner is as difficult as it has ever been. The risk of this match being another dire affair compared with their FA Cup final battle last season doesn’t seem to be an option. This time round and both teams seem to have fairly even betting spreads to show how tight this game is.

With Manchester United slightly tipped to be favourites at 8/11 compared to Chelsea’s Odds-Even to lift the trophy, the plethora of other bets seem more attractive.

With Cristiano Ronaldo undoubtedly the star of the Premiership this season, the criticism he faces about not being his best for ‘big’ matches is unrecognised by sports-books with him favourite at 5/1 to be Man of the Match. With Paul Scholes certain to start after missing the final win in 1999 his influence could be a deciding factor with odds of 12/1 for Man of the Match. Lampard at 10/1 is also a tantalising choice considering his personal journey this season on-and-off the pitch.

Regarding the recent history between the clubs, the choice for predicting the match score is quite varied with obviously the narrowest of scores being favourites; 0-0 or 1-1 draws at the end of 90 minutes 5/1, or either team to win 1-0 at 6/1.

Knowing how closely matched these sides are, the possibility of a team winning in extra-time before penalties is a tempting choice at 10/1 for United or 11/1 for Chelsea especially when you consider Chelsea have experienced such a defeat against Tottenham earlier in the season for the Carling Cup. In the event on penalties, both teams are down at 8/1 to win by them.

With so much potential in this match we are hoping a better standard will be apparent than their last major confrontation in a final in the FA Cup last year. Either way, the potential is there for the rest of the world to see what the English Premier League now has to offer all others.

All odds provided by Ladbrokes.

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Editor, Jackpot.co.uk - 2008-05-21 14:47:04