The 2011 Champions League Final - Who will win?

In under 2 hours the 2011 Champions League Final kicks off, a game which has been dubbed as “match of the decade” and that could be the case. It’s a global game which may not be as glamorous as the World Cup Final but the prestige is equally as important. Don’t miss it! Two talented, distinct managers go head-to-head (again): the visionary Guardiola vs the experienced Ferguson, both possessing an army of quality players. Their attacking forces are brutal with Messi, Pedro and Villa running riot in the iconic Barcelona jersey against the lethal Rooney and Chicharito wearing the trademark red. Defensively both teams are equipped to the max, two sets of solid partnerships with Pique and Puyol stopping United’s efficient striking duo whilst Vidic and Ferdinand will be busy from the first whistle until the last. Some of the writers at AFR alongside a selection of talented bloggers have shared their verdict for the final, but what is your prediction?

Oliver Sparrow, writer at AFR

Barcelona 0 - 1 Man. Utd: A repeat of the 2008 knock-out round score line; United will try to neutralise Barcelona and Messi and nick a cheeky goal. Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand will eat up the pressure all over the pitch like possessed Pacmen whilst Ji Sung Park tracks balls like a greyhound chasing a rabbit. It will be a tight affair, made all the more nervy by United desperately trying to hold onto their lead and resisting the endless siege of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi. Use matchsticks to keep your eyes open until United score, then jump up and down off your sofa as Barcelona miss by a whisker, hit the woodwork or get hauled down by the Serbian enforcer.

Amit Katwala, writer at AFR

Barcelona 1 - 1 Man. Utd: Two years ago in Rome, United had a brief spell when they looked in control. Then Samuel Eto'o scored and Barcelona controlled the rest of the match. United can win tonight, but they need to stop Barcelona from scoring early and try to hit them on the break. They are arguably better equipped to do that this time around, with more players willing to track back, and the pace of Hernandez to test Puyol and Pique. Don’t expect great entertainment though, it will be tight and tense, with few chances created. The lottery of penalties will decide tonight!

Eric Beard, editor of AFR

Barcelona 2 - 0 Manchester United: Okay, fine. Barcelona may not be the greatest team in the history of football, which even Pep has admitted, but they’re up there with the very best. Sir Alex Ferguson may be able to tinker his tactics to fix the mistakes of 2009, but Barça will create new ones. This Manchester United side is far from spectacular and it simply won’t take the best team in history to defeat them in London tonight. Only some of the best players in history. This will be the night of FIFA’s three best players in the world: Iniesta, Xavi, and Messi.

Ulysse Pasquier, writer at A Football Report

Barcelona 2 - 0 Man. Utd: Much of the outcome of this final will depend on Manchester United’s defending. While Alex Ferguson has managed better squads in his 25 years at the club, Nemanja Vidic has had a superb season and will look to disrupt the Spanish masters. Still, Barcelona have yet again produced a side close to perfection and will be too much for the Red Devils to handle. And so the real question is: will Lionel Messi finally score in England? 

Dominic Vieira, writer at AFR

Barcelona 3 - 2 Man.Utd: These two teams love to attack and that’s what we’re guaranteed tonight, they may have world class defences, but Rooney like Messi will be fired up tonight. Close battle but Barcelona’s incredible football has the upper hand.

Daniel Colasimone, editor of Argentina Football World

Barcelona 2 - 0 Man. Utd: I see Manchester United as the team who are best equipped to trouble Barcelona. However, I still doubt they’ll nick it. Messi to score at the end of the first half and again in the final 10 minutes. Red card Vidic. 

Ben Shave, blogger at Cahiers du Sport

Barcelona 2 - 0 Man. Utd: Dani Alves might want us to believe that United are a more complete team without Ronaldo, and whilst there is certainly a grittier edge to this side compared with that which fell 2-0 to Barcelona in 2009, I can’t help feeling that unless Barça have a collective stinker of the type not seen since, well, never, United will do well to keep the match close. Ferguson has become a master at setting up teams to carve opponents open on the counter-attack, but Barça’s smothering possession-based game will drastically reduce United’s opportunities to do so.

Stefan Bienkowski, editor of The Oval Log

Barcelona 2 - 1 Man. Utd: A battle between total possession & counter attacking football. I think United will crack before they find a chance to break on Barcelona.

Ibby Akkas, blogger at The Football Front

Barcelona 2 - 1 Man.Utd: It should be an enthralling final. Barcelona will dominate possession. Messi and co will be up for making even more history. The critical question is how Man United nullify Barcelona’s midfield and attack. Man United will look to expose them on the counter. Barcelona’s shaky defence must be careful of United’s pace and movement. Hernandez, Valencia, Rooney and Park will cause some concern to Barca’s defence.