Champions League Final Preview: Can Manchester United Beat Barcelona?

Manchester United. Barcelona.

Wayne Rooney. Lionel Messi.

Winner-take-all Champions League Final. Wembley Stadium.

It doesn't get better than this.

Like Ali versus Frazier, these are two legendary heavyweights, and there are no excuses going into Saturday's match. Both clubs are healthy, and both clubs desperately want to take home a second trophy this season.

A majority of the starters who were a part of the 2009 Champions Final will be back for the rematch that was two years in the making.

Barcelona hoisted the trophy in 2009, and Manchester United have their eyes on avenging the loss. Cristiano Ronaldo will be pulling for his former teammates against Real Madrid's bitter rival Barcelona.

This game also will likely be the last match for goalkeeper Edwin Van der Sar. The lanky Dutch star is expected to hang up his gloves and boots when this match is over, so a great match from the Manchester United keeper should be a given.

Barcelona has a star goalkeeper themselves in Victor Valdes, who is having perhaps his best season with the Catalans.

Both teams boast two high-profile forwards.

Lionel Messi is arguably the best player in the world. He is capable of driving defenders crazy with his brilliant dribbling skills, and his amazing field vision.

Manchester United's leader is Wayne Rooney, who has turned his season around in the last six months after recovering from an ankle injury.

Both teams have excellent midfields. Barcelona is led by Xavi, a clever and versatile playmaker, who rarely turns the ball over, and understands how to get his teammates involved.

Manchester United's has their own dynamic midfielder in Ryan Giggs. The veteran has been through some personal turmoil lately, but he is probably the smartest player on the field, the most professional, and is still a speedy player who can create great opportunities for the Manchester United attack.

This final will have plenty of star power, dramatic moments, and promises to be a classic.

HERE ARE THE PROBABLE LINEUPS:

BARCELONA:

G: Valdes

D: Alves, Pique, Mascherano, Puyol

M: Busquets, Xavi, Iniesta

F: Pedro, Messi, Villa

MANCHESTER UNITED:

G: Van der Sar

D: Rafael, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra

M: Carrick, Valencia, Park, Giggs

F: Rooney, Hernandez.