Champions League Final preview

Tomorrow afternoon, Rome becomes the center of the football world. Man U. Barca. Champions League final. Don't say you didn't see it coming...

As much as many people HATE that these two are facing each other in the final...and as much as many people are rooting for Barca just because they HATE Man U. ...you simply can't deny it, these are the two best teams in Europe right now, and the two most deserving (yes, Chelsea fans, I said it) of the trip to Rome. For all their differences, these two teams have some key similarities---which just so happen to form the key match-ups in tomorrow's...um...match...:

--Sir Alex vs Pep

Sir Alex deserves the "Sir," let's face it. You wanna talk about prime English football---a team that can play with flair, yet kick your ass (both physically and on the scoreboard) while doing it---then this man's coached it for decades. The Scot is English football. In the other area, you've got Barca's young manager...but the one who has actually gotten the potential out of this team.

--Ronaldo vs. Messi

Two of the best two players in the world. Both have the flair, both have the pace, Messi has the balance. Ronaldo has Rooney...but Messi's got Eto'o...

--Van der Saar vs. Valdes

In one net, you have one of the biggest names, one of the best goalkeepers in Dutch history. 130 caps for his national team, scored a goal for Ajax (albeit a penalty), the first non-Italian to guard the net at Juventus (and the predecessor to the great Gigi Buffon)... In the other, one of the most disrespected goalkeepers in the game. The long-time starter at one of the top 2 clubs in his home country, and he can't even get a call-up as the #3 keeper for his national team. Size, style, experience...these two couldn't be more different except for one thing---they're both world-class goalkeepers who can steal this game. In this case, they both have dominant centerbacks in front of them as well (though Valdes will be missing Rafa Marquez tomorrow)...

Regardless of who wins, both teams have had incredible seasons. The loser will not have lost to a better team...

My prediction...penalties are not out of the question...but the lack of Marquez and questions surrounding Iniesta and Henry's fitness will be too much... Man U. in either a 1-0 or 2-1 game.