Road to Rome 2009: What Are We Really Gonna Get?

The last week has been full of analysis of just about every aspect of the final anyone could ever want to know, from starting line-ups to formations to player to player match ups. So the only thing left is what is actually going to happen inside the Stadio Olimpico.

I expect both teams to start a little cautiously, making sure they don't give up an early goal. Barcelona fans are convinced their team will attack all match, which is probably true, but almost all finals start slowly. I expect Barcelona to go along with the "feeling out stage" which is common place in every match as big as this one.

The game will then progressively open up, as players grow in confidence as they start to challenge defenders, and take on opponents. With two teams as attacking as Man. United and Barcelona, I would be surprised not to see at least one goal in the first half.

The fullbacks will most likely be the targets of both teams. With Henry and Messi patrolling the wings, they will try and get at Evra and O'Shea as often as they can. Evra and O'Shea often struggle to deal with quality wingers Messi and Henry, so the duo may have joy going down the wings and crossing the ball across the box to Eto.

The problem with this is it leaves both Vidic and Ferdinand marking Eto, which could completely take Eto out of the equation. They are two of the best centre backs in the world, and shouldn't have trouble dealing with Eto, especially if they have each other for support.

This may force Messi and Henry to cut in and shoot, or create a chance at the top of the box as opposed to a ball through the box. This will take a bit of time to figure out, so I have confidence United will be able to keep a first half clean sheet.

For Anderson fans in particular, it may be a great night. If a game was ever set up for Anderson to score this is it. Park and Rooney will be going at the Barcelona fullbacks all match, and trying to put crosses into the centre. With Ronaldo most likely playing as a "mobile forward" up front he will be perusing around the attacking and may not be position to finish chances inside the box. Which leaves Anderson as the furthest forward central player, who may be making delayed runs into the box.

Once again though, the Barcelona centre backs are much stronger than the fullbacks, which means that Park and Rooney may be forced to create chances for themselves.

In the end I think the first half will be mostly both teams canceling each other out, but I still predict a first half goal. I think a set piece may be difference between the teams. That is why I'm predicting Nemanja Vidic as my first goal scorer. A late goal in the first half from Vidic sounds about right.

From there Barcelona would really open up which could lead to two outcomes; Barcelona override United and start to take a hold of the game, or United hit Barcelona on the counter and run away with the match.

Either could easily happen, but I am a biased Man. United fan and predict that Wayne Rooney will score in the second half as will Carlos Tevez as a substitute. Making for a 3-0 Manchester United final in a relatively close match.