Few players down the years have enjoyed such an accomplished career with both Chelsea and Manchester United but despite having worn both shirts, Ray Wilkins is prepared to call the outcome of the biggest ever clash between the two clubs.

Nowadays a regular and respected TV pundit for Champions League games, he worked his way up through the Chelsea youth system before being named our youngest ever captain at the age 18.

He was sold to our northern rivals during hard financial times but life at Stamford Bridge has changed beyond recognition since 1979 and Wilkins believes the fact so many of our players have experienced the biggest occasions before could prove telling on Wednesday.

'I think the fact that Chelsea have got so many winners in their side will give them the edge,' he told chelseafc.com as the build-up to the game gathered pace.

'They have people who have been there and won it before and I honestly believe that winning mentality has pulled Chelsea through this season.

'Also, a lot of Chelsea players will probably be coming to their last chance of getting to a Champions League Final and I think that also gives that edge to win the Final.'

Wilkins, who had tipped Man United as Barclays Premier League winners, is another who feels Sir Alex Ferguson's recent defeat at Stamford Bridge cannot be disregarded.

'Chelsea managed so well that afternoon that had it not been for Riccy's probably one blemish of the season, giving Rooney a chance to score, they would never have had a shot,' he reckons.

'I felt that Chelsea were well in control of the game and would have won comfortably had that not gone in.

'So because of the fact Chelsea have got such a defensive unit, and when I say unit I mean the whole team, who can defend and keep Man U to zero, and they are probably the only team in world football who can do so, I am going to go for a Chelsea victory,' he predicts.

'Makelele will be imperative. Claude is still the best holding midfield player on the planet.

'Once the pressure comes on Chelsea, and it will come on Chelsea at some stage in the Final, Claude will be the one who will be imperative. He will be the one who is blocking off all the midfield players coming through and he is the guy for me.

'But I also think Didier Drogba is formidable, I really do.

'If his mind is on the game then there is no finer player to play one up front.

'I honestly feel he can cause anyone problems, so it doesn't matter if it's [Rio] Ferdinand or [Nemanja] Vidic.

'When you have got Petr, Riccy, John Terry, Claude and then it goes right the way through, Chelsea have a magnificent spine in their team and that will keep a clean sheet as far as I am concerned.

'Then you have the likes of Lampard, Essien, Ballack and Joe Cole, they can all score goals from different areas, as can Manchester United, but I just feel Chelsea defensively are better,' added Wilkins.


Official Chelsea live radio coverage of the Champions League Final will be available via Chelsea Plus, beginning 7.15 UK time.