This is it, the Champions League battle that everybody in Europe wanted. The holders, led by a veteran of countless European battles, against the most attack-minded team on the planet led by a man in the opening year of his first real job in management.

With the talent at each manager's disposal, how Sir Alex Ferguson and Josep Guardiola set up their sides could decide tonight's winner in Rome.

Tactically, I am not expecting any real surprises from Barcelona tonight. We all know what they are capable of but I don't think they have got anything in their locker we have not already seen.

They'll start with a back four and three in midfield, with Andres Iniesta, Xavi and the defensively-minded Sergio Busquets pulling the strings behind Lionel Messi, Samuel Eto'o and Thierry Henry up front, assuming they are all fit.

They move the ball about well, are masters of keeping possession and have strikers who will punish any mistakes United make in defence.

There is one thing Guardiola could do if he wants to freshen up his approach. We all know Messi had problems against Patrice Evra last year. He couldn't deal with the lad, no matter what he tried.

The Argentine had similar problems against the pace of Ashley Cole when they played Chelsea in the semi-final and he was moved to more of a centre-forward role to get away from the England defender and he immediately became more effective.

With that in mind Guardiola could move Messi away from Evra, and play him in the middle where he will face Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but my guess is that he'll throw him into battle with John O'Shea at right back.

If there is a weakness in what is a formidable defence, and it is a big if, it is likely to be the Irishman. That's why it wouldn't surprise me if Messi is told to pressure him. The Barca man has not lived up to his reputation as the world's best player recently, so he will be looking to make an impression tonight.

I don't mean to be unkind to O'Shea because he has had a good season and if he is considered a weakness by Barcelona then it is testimony to just how strong this United side is. Unless there are any surprises this looks like a full-strength team with their confidence tanks overflowing.

The one glaring advantage United have is in defence, where Barcelona are without Eric Abidal and Dani Alvez, both suspended, and the injured Rafael Marquez. They will probably start with Carles Puyol on the right, Gerard Pique and Yaya Toure in the middle, and the experienced Sylvinho at left back. These are still top players and their motivation levels will be high but whichever way you look at it, this is Barcelona's weak-spot and Fergie has the armoury to exploit it.

With that in mind I expect United to start with a 4-3-3 formation with Anderson, Michael Carrick and Ryan Giggs providing the drive and creativity in midfield with Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and Park Ji-Sung up front.

Fergie may decide to go straight for the throat, take the game to an area where Barcelona are weakest and put pressure on their back four from the outset. But I think you can really hurt Barcelona by hitting them on the counter-attack. These two teams are equally matched in midfield and attack but I expect to see long periods of the game where United won't see much of the ball. They need to be patient and when their chance comes, as it surely will, hit Barca hard because with all the will in the world, I can't see the Catalans side's makeshift defence coping with the speed and power of Rooney, Ronaldo and Park.

I expect to see goals from both teams and I think we are in for a memorable final, but, for me, United hold all the aces and my money is on Fergie to make history by retaining the trophy Manchester United deserve.

Andy Gray joins Richard Keys, Jamie Redknapp, Ruud Gullit and Graeme Souness in Rome for Sky Sports' high definition coverage of the UEFA Champions League Final, tonight from 6pm on Sky Sports HD1 (and on Sky Sports1). To upgrade to Sky Sports HD call: 08442 411 333.