Henry does sort of allude to Didier's influence once or twice in the article so I think he's got the two biggies, but I fancy Joe Cole will have to start and play an important role. In what will likely be a tight, tactically minded, nervy affair (a riveting for football fans if not the thrilling 5-4 George predicts and the prawn-sandwich brigade will be hoping for!)a player like Cole can make something happen and change a game. Much like the author but with a better haircut.

Also, for me, a key factor will be the support the United striker gets. In the Barca away game and at Stamford Bridge in the league recently (their two recent games most akin to tomorrow's final) one of Tevez, Rooney or Ronaldo have been left isolated chasing scraps. Although their 3 pronged attack is obviously lethal and can work wonders when they're close enough and clicking with one another, once Tevez is needed to scrap around the half-way line (which, I concede, he does brilliantly) or Rooney lurks too far out wide or Ronaldo is made to win headers and chase into corners like a proper centre-forward, then they are to a large extent nullified. Not only this but, as happened in the games mentioned, it doesn't allow the defence to push up, gives plenty of possession to the opposition and ultimately places enormous stress on the back five (Van der Sar included). Sure Ferdinand and Vidic are the guys to cope with this, as they did in the Nou Camp, but marking Drogba for 90 minutes without much let up would be one hell of a physically and mentally challenging game.

All pointless rambling I mainly agree, but as I'm supporting United (I'm a Chelsea hater, not a United fan) these are my main concerns. So by venting them Sir Al will surely heed my warning and give structure to the front line but allow them freedom to play, poor Wayne can't handle contemplating defending and attacking all at once.

My other and final concern is that there's a chance, a slim one yes, but a chance that John O'Shea comes on. Decent utility player maybe but he is not worthy of a Champions League final!