THE KEY BATTLES
STEVEN GERRARD v CLARENCE SEEDORF
Both men have history in the Champions League final, with Seedorf the only man to win the competition with three different clubs and Gerrard producing perhaps his career-defining performance when the sides met in Istanbul.

In that match Gerrard scored a victory, taking full control of the midfield from the second-half whistle onwards, so the Dutchman will be eager to win the struggle this time.

The Liverpool skipper is a more all-action figure, surging with energy and putting himself about with vigour in attack and defence but while his midfield opponent is older and has a little less stamina, he proved against Manchester United in the semi-final that he is a clever enough player to shine in the loftiest company.

JAMIE CARRAGHER v KAKA
Kaka's free-spirited nature means he is elusive at times and Liverpool's players, guided by Rafael Benitez, will have to divide responsibility for keeping the Brazilian at bay.

That said, Carragher as the side's best tackler and most robust defender will carry the largest share of the burden.

He will be tasked with picking up a player touted by many as the world's best whenever he comes into the Reds' danger area.

For his part, Kaka will be looking to maintain what is perhaps the richest and most sustained run of form he has yet enjoyed in his career.

Milan have less firepower than they did in 2005, with Andriy Shevchenko and Hernan Crespo both elsewhere, and they rely on his ingenuity to unlock back lines.

DIRK KUYT v ALESSANDRO NESTA
Benitez has already claimed Kuyt's signature as a resounding success - something seemingly backed up by his excellent display against Chelsea in the last four of this competition.

But the hard-working Dutch forward has his doubters who feel he lacks the subtlety to be a regular match-winner at the highest level.

Nevertheless he will harangue Nesta all day in Athens and will Milan will pay heavily if they choose to underestimate his fierce shot or muscular presence in the box.

Nesta could cap off a wonderful year with a Champions League triumph to go alongside his World Cup winner's medal but injury deprived him of a meaningful part in Italy's win in Germany, something that will not be far from his mind when he lines up against Liverpool.

JOSE REINA v ALBERTO GILARDINO
Gilardino faces a genuine fight for a starting place in the final, with veteran Filippo Inzaghi getting the nod in the second leg against Manchester United.

But he responded well to that jolt and scored the third, crushing goal to knock the wind out of Sir Alex Ferguson's side and should be restored for the showpiece.

If he does so he will find the increasingly assured Reina standing between him and Champions League glory.

Reina has a daunting act to live up to after Jerzy Dudek's heroics when the sides met at the same stage two years ago, but his self-belief is sky high following his penalty saves against Chelsea and given Liverpool's recent record he could be tested by a shootout again in Greece.

Gilardino is in a less secure position and knows Inzaghi is waiting if he fails to beat the Spaniard. Whoever wins this war of nerves could decide the destiny of the silverware.

Continues...