Tonight sees one of the sporting events of the decade so far, as the most mouthwatering UEFA Champions League Final we’ve had for a number of years sees Barclays Premier League Champs Manchester United take on Champions of Spain, F.C. Barcelona.

With question marks hovering over the fitness of Rio Ferdinand and suspension for Darren Fletcher or United, and injury worries about Iniesta and Thierry Henry of Barcelona, it looks like the team from Manchester could have the better in terms of ideal  squad selection: Iniesta is a lynchpin for Barca, whereas Ferguson can replace Ferdinand with the able Evans, and Fletcher with any from Park, Giggs, Ronaldo, Carrick, and Scholes – who all possess plenty of threat in an experienced midfield.

All of this makes it likely that Ferguson will start with 5 in the middle – an advanced role for Ronaldo at the front of a midfield diamond looking likely – and Rooney up top. This is a lineup which poses a real threat to a team like Barcelona who don’t have the surest defence in Europe.

Going forwards, however, Barcelona have a great deal more to offer this match. Lionel Messi on the right-hand side is mercurial and much will depend on how well Patrice Evra copes with his dribbling and quick feet. Samuel Eto’o and Thierry Henry are able finishers to complete this goalscoring trio, however, many expect Henry to start from the bench.

When all is weighed up, if Barcelona perform as they did against Chelsea in their two semi-finals, expect United to lift this match within 90 minutes. That form being the only meaningful guide to this ultra-high pressure game, we have to take on the Catalans:

Advised Bets:

• Lay Barcelona @ 2.94 on Betfair to lose 8 points
• 3 Points Back Man United @ 17/10