EPL, Premiership, English Premier League

Manchester United vs. Chelsea

In the first all English Champions League Final, Chelsea and Manchester United will battle in Moscow to earn the right to call themselves the best European Club Team.

Last night while Chelsea were practicing at the Luzhiniki Stadium Ashley Cole was injured by a tackle from Claude Makelele. The right back defender sustained an ankle injury but according to Chelsea officials he may be able to play today in the Final.

“In a challenge with Claude Makelele in front of hundreds of cameras and the world football press, Ashley Cole hurt his right ankle. He was treated, it was tested, then strapped - but after consultation between Grant, club doctor Bryan English and physios Dave Hancock and Thierry Laurent - Cole resumed and took full part in the final training game - only disappearing down the tunnel after the players had listened to Avram’s address and been stood-down for a final kickaround.” English International Wayne Bridges was ready to play in his stead if Cole was unable to.

Terry was being resolute and indifferent to any pre-game wagers. “It’s a different ball game to the league. They deserved to win (the title) but it’s a one-off game tomorrow. There are no underdogs or favourites. We’re hoping we are going to be on our game, fully fit and determined to lift the trophy. They have a lot of quality players in their side and hopefully it’s a good game but if it’s a bad game so be it. It’s about getting our hands on the trophy.”

Though some people have complained about the pitch, none of the players, coaches, or UEFA officials seem to think anything is wrong with it. ”

Ferguson thought the stadium and pitch were fine. “I think UEFA have done their best. The fact they have relaid it from Astroturf to turf is a big delight to me. We are happy in that sense. You have to remind yourself that Old Trafford in January or February is not the best in the league.”

“The pitch is the same for both sides and if get the footwear right we will be fine. We are not worrying about that at all.” said Terry.

Lampard continues to mourn for his mother Pat Lampard who died between the two semi-final legs against Liverpool; he went to go see Harry Redknapp lift the FA Cup at Wembley. Redknapp’s wife was Pat Lampard’s twin sister and both families have been completely distraught. “I was at Wembley on Saturday to see Harry win the FA Cup. It was a great day for the family and Harry in his career. He deserved that for what he has given to the game. I was fully supporting him on Saturday and I’m sure he and all the Redknapp family will be supporting me. I hope we can make it a family double.”

While Manchester United did win the Premier League they are surely still smarting from the loss at Stamford Bride. “Chelsea are physically stronger than most of the Premier League teams but we do not need to match that. We have to play with our main strength, our movement and our passing, our ability to create openings in the game. We are in good shape and I do not want us to change too much. Maybe we don’t have the overall experience like Chelsea in terms of age but we have courage” said Feguson.

“Part of the plan is to have Carlos Tevez at the club in the long term. There is no question we want him to stay. I think David Gill (chief executive) is progressing on that as best he can. One of the reasons we are here in Moscow and won the title is because of Carlos. He has that ability to score important goals for us, just like Eric Cantona used to do. Carlos has been a revelation for us and is a fantastic professional. The final is a big challenge for every one of my players. I depend on them all to be at the top of their game. That way we have a massive chance.”

Ferdinand described the emotion and importance of the Champions League very well: “The pressure comes from within, from your own personal pride in wanting to do well. The history of Old Trafford, the characteristics of the club from the past and the manager all work as an inspiration. You want to become part of the furniture, to be remembered in the history of Manchester United. To do that we know we have to win big things. Tonight we have a great chance to do that and become part of the history.”

“This match is the stuff of dreams. These opportunities do not come around every weekend. You have to step up to the moment when it comes. The main thing is to approach it as we would do any other game, not to do things differently. If the occasion gets to us or we change the way we approach the game then that will be to the detriment of the team.”

Just as ready was Peter Cech, Chelsea’s goalkeeper. “Having won the title, you would say it’s a big boost from them and they celebrated, which in one way can be distracting. When you know you’ve already won something, even if you don’t want to, you can relax. In the back of your mind, you have already that you have succeeded. This could be the advantage for us. Cech is expecting a tight game tomorrow because the two sides know each other so well. If you ask me if we can surprise each other, I say no, because we have played them so many times over the last years and both teams haven’t changed much.”

However, prepared as he is he agreed that Cristiano Ronaldo could be the deciding factor in the game. The way he scores the goals is unbelievable,’ Cech said. “Because he can score from the free-kick, he can score from the penalty, he can score with a header from a corner, and he can score with both feet.”

“You need to remember as well they have a great team. They have an attacking threat, with (Wayne) Rooney, you’ve got (Carlos) Tevez, you’ve got (Ryan) Giggs. They can use the ball quickly and they change position, they rotate a lot. That is why they are dangerous and can score a lot of goals because not everyone can cope with that.”

The Champions League Final is being held in Russia, Moscow, at the Luzhinki Stadium Wednesday.