Andy Townsend's Wembley head to head

PETR CECH 9 out of 10

It takes something special to get past him though he did have a flappy game against Bolton when Chelsea were held 2-2. One on one he is brilliant, the safest pair of hands in the League.

PAULO FERREIRA 7

Comfortable on the ball but you can get at him and United will probably set Ronaldo or Giggs to isolate and run at him. Sometimes casual in possession and not in the best of form.

Scroll down to read more:

JOHN TERRY 9

We have seen him sharper and in better form but he will be inspired for this game. He is Chelsea's leader and figurehead. Look out for him in United's box at set-plays, too.

MICHAEL ESSIEN 7

Would get 9 as a central midfielder but can be found wanting as a centre back with his positional play and movement of the strikers. A team player and a ferocious competitor.

WAYNE BRIDGE 8 When he has played he has performed better than the disappointing Ashley Cole this season. He is not as dynamic as Cole in full flight but is a steady full back with an excellent left foot.

CLAUDE MAKELELE 7

Not had his strongest season and looks to be running out of steam but has tremendous experience of the big occasion. Crucial for Chelsea that he copes with United's quick passing in and around him.

MIKEL JOHN OBI 8

Has grown in stature to show why he is the long-term replacement for Makelele. Safe in possession and has a great motor. Good discipline positionally, but he can be rattled.

FRANK LAMPARD 8

Another brilliant goals return, but not as strong as he was last season. Hasn't dominated the big games as he did a year ago, but needs a strong showing if Chelsea are to win the Final.

JOE COLE 8

When he doesn't play, Chelsea lack a bit of imagination. This is a big game for him, having missed much of the season, and he will run at United in key areas, looking to draw tackles.

DIDIER DROGBA 10

Has played this season with strength and power, dominated defenders, led the line and scored goals. He is Chelsea's biggest threat and United must keep him quiet, which few teams have managed.

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 7 How is his confidence? Jose doesn't seem to fancy him. He can be direct and will run at Evra. Needs to concentrate on his final ball. Inclusion means Cole will play as support striker to Drogba.

MANCHESTER UNITED

EDWIN VAN DER SAR 8

Wembley used to be a goalkeeper's graveyard and Van der Sar has had a rocky spell recently. I wonder if there are communication problems with his central defenders.

JOHN O'SHEA 7

United will miss Neville but O'Shea will not let them down. His power and height are very useful at set-pieces at both ends.

Scroll down for more:

NEMANJA VIDIC 8 Question marks about his fitness as he has only played once since the mess in Milan. He is brave and strong, though, powerful in attack, and has forged a strong partnership with Ferdinand.

RIO FERDINAND 9

Excellent season and in great form. In for a busy afternoon as Drogba will test him in the air and challenge physically so he needs to make sure he doesn't have those moments when he switches off.

PATRICE EVRA 7

This is a vulnerable area for United which Chelsea will look to attack. Should play ahead of Heinze but neither are outstanding. He likes to get forward but can leave the back door open.

MICHAEL CARRICK 8

Has shown his quality, but I am not quite convinced about him as the holding midfielder and Lampard will look to break behind him. Superb passing and always available to take the ball.

PAUL SCHOLES 9

Just brilliant. What a difference he has made to the United midfield and Chelsea will see him as the real danger. A match-winner with his clever passing, running and shooting from distance.

RYAN GIGGS 8

Versatile and adaptable, capable of playing up front with Rooney, wide or in central midfield. His movement is better than ever and his energy and pace show no sign of falling off.

CRISTIANO RONALDO 10

Most shots of any Premiership player, he has scored goals, won games and taken a clean sweep in the individual awards. The first Cup Final at the new Wembley needs a hero, and it could be him.

WAYNE ROONEY 8

Looked jaded in certain games this season but is still a match-winner. It is difficult to see how Chelsea can fully prepare to stop him when he can play left, right, off the front or as a spearhead.

ALAN SMITH 7

Honest, hard-working team player who has made a remarkable recovery from a terrible injury. Might play as the spearhead, and mix it with Terry in order to release Rooney into deeper areas.

TOTAL SCORES: CHELSEA 88 UNITED 89