However, with Chelsea showing some rich form in the title run-in, it promises to be a very, very difficult game for United.

It's easy to suggest a psychological advantage for United following the Premier League success - but Avram Grant's men will be desperate to prove a point and showed plenty of guts and determination to take the league campaign into the final day.

As you can probably guess, I'm not overly confident.

The bookmakers, however, have United as clear favourites for the game. Sir Alex Ferguson's men are priced up at 8/13 to lift the trophy with Chelsea outsiders at 6/5. A win within 90 minutes is 11/8 for United and 11/5 for the big-spending Londoners.

The build-up to the match has been dogged with controversy. The stadium's pitch has repeatedly come into question and was described as "disappointing" by the groundsman. Meanwhile, there are also concerns about the kick-off time - 10:45pm in Russian money!

However, all that will be forgotten when the game gets underway and two English teams battle it out for the biggest prize in European football. The Red Devils will be hoping to emulate the club's great successes of 1968 and 1999; whilst Chelsea are aiming for the single biggest achievement in their history.

After his crucial wonderstrike against Barcelona, Paul Scholes looks certain to start in midfield for United. The former England international is likely to partner Michael Carrick in the middle; but Fergie has offered few hints with regards to the rest of his selection.

Owen Hargreaves could make it an English trio in the middle for United -whilst others have suggested that the United boss will opt for a 4-4-2 - with Ji-Sung Park starting on the left flank and Hargreaves warming the bench.

Meanwhile, Nani returns to the squad after his suspension at Wigan, Anderson is in decent form and Ryan Giggs will break Sir Bobby Charlton's appearance record if he features. Fergie will certainly have a selection headache in the build-up to kick-off.

United have been hit with a late scare. Nemanaja Vidic has emerged as a doubt for the Red Devils. He wasn't deemed fit enough to train on Wednesday evening and will undergo a late fitness test. Louis Saha is also struggling - and a place in the treatment room would probably be a fitting way to end his four-year spell with the club.

Chelsea's biggest concern is the fitness of Ashley Cole - who picked up an ankle knock following a stupid challenge from Claude Makelele in training.

He would be a huge loss for Avram Grant as the emotionless Israeli looks to secure his longevity at Stamford Bridge.

Security has been tight in Moscow so far but banter between Chelsea and United fans has been good-natured. Let's hope both sets of supporters witness a cracker in the Russian capital and, ultimately, a Manchester United win.

Come on United - this really is the big time!

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