Blogs

Kevin Ashby
Who will win tonight's Rome showpiece?
27 May 2009, 07:58

The teams for tonight's Stadio Olimpico have been announced, with Thierry Henry and Andrés Iniesta both overcoming injury fears to start for FC Barcelona, while Manchester United FC midfielder Ji-Sung Park becomes the first Asian to play in a UEFA Champions League final.

Sylvinho starts
Barça coach Josep Guardiola always believed both Iniesta (thigh), the scorer of the goal away to Chelsea FC which earned the Spanish champions a date in Rome, and Henry (knee) would shake off minor ailments and the selection of the key duo will help to compensate for the loss of the suspended Daniel Alves and Eric Abidal. With another defender, Rafael Márquez, injured, Guardiola has selected a back four of (right to left) Carles Puyol, Yaya Touré, Gerard Piqué and Sylvinho – who gets the nod ahead of Seydou Keita.

No surprises
There are no surprises in the United lineup, Rio Ferdinand having declared his fitness yesterday following a calf strain. Sir Alex Ferguson said yesterday that Park – who did not make the squad for last season's final victory – would play a part, and it could be a crucial one as he lines up on the right-side of a three-pronged attack with Cristiano Ronaldo in a central position and Wayne Rooney on the left. All that remains to be answered is who will win? 

See the full lineups and follow all the action by clicking here.