HOW THEY WEIGH UP

EUROPEAN CUP PEDIGREE
Liverpool are by far the most successful British participants in the history of European football's top club competition - and would join Milan as the continent's second most decorated club, on six wins, with victory in Athens. Titles in 1977, 1978, 1981 and 1984 preceded the 'miracle of Istanbul' two years ago, when the Reds fought back from three goals down to beat the Italians on penalties in arguably the most exciting final ever.

Milan's six titles came in 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994 and 2003, and they would move within just two wins of undisputed European kings Real Madrid if they topple Rafael Benitez's men this time around.

FORM
Liverpool are sure to qualify for the Champions League again next season through their league position, AC are almost there, although neither was anywhere near claiming their respective title - Milan's challenge being effectively ended before it started due to a points penalty for their part in the Italian match-fixing scandal.

In Europe, Liverpool cantered through an easy group before seeing off reigning champions Barcelona and then thrashing PSV Eindhoven in the quarter-finals. Their semi-final with Chelsea was a tight and unattractive affair which was eventually decided by Jose Reina's shoot-out heroics.

Milan stuttered through an even easier group and needed extra-time to beat Celtic before Bayern Munich were edged in the last eight. However, they were in majestic form as they sent Manchester United crashing in the semis.

PAST ENCOUNTERS
The two giants of European football have met only once in competitive action and it proved mildly diverting. Paolo Maldini's first-minute volley and Hernan Crespo's double appeared to have put the Italian club out of sight in the 2005 final in Istanbul. But a header by Steven Gerrard, Vladimir Smicer's daisy-cutter and Xabi Alonso's penalty follow-up - all scored within seven minutes after half-time - took the game to extra-time and penalties. Jerzy Dudek's dancing then unsettled Milan as the Reds won on spot-kicks. All that can really be drawn from the clash is that you should not, under any circumstances, avert your glance until the final whistle this time around.

TACTICS
Rafael Benitez has enjoyed great success in continental competition with both Liverpool and Valencia, so he is unlikely to stray far from his tried-and-tested formula. Expect rigid defensive lines, with Javier Mascherano deployed as the Spaniard's midfield terrier to disrupt Milan's undoubtedly smoother attacking play. The Argentina international could also be used to man-mark Kaka. If Benitez again opts for Peter Crouch and Dirk Kuyt in attack, expect many passes to be of the longer variety.

Milan battered Manchester United into submission by relentlessly pressurising the ball in all areas of the field, and some of Sir Alex Ferguson's side were simply unable to cope as their technique was found wanting. They will do the same again, hope to win the ball in dangerous areas, and look to free the likes of Kaka and Clarence Seedorf with the game stretched.

SHOW-STOPPERS
Both Liverpool and Milan are dominated by an outstanding individual.

For the Reds it is Gerrard. When they are at their best it is invariably when he is driving them forward from a central position, either with the ball at his feet or unleashing long-range passes with unerring accuracy. He also has one of the best shots from outside the box in the business.

If there were any doubts about Kaka's standing as the best player in the world, his performances in the semi-final against Manchester United dispelled them. Hugely skilful and hard-working, if he is given space in or around the area he will destroy Liverpool's title hopes. Equally proficient as a scorer and provider of goals.

WEAKNESSES
Liverpool's lack of a genuinely world class striker could cost them against defenders as wily as Alessandro Nesta and Paolo Maldini, and, not for the first time, the Reds' primary goal threat might come from on-rushing midfielders. If Milan score first and shut up shop, the Merseysiders may be left to rely on a moment of magic as they lack the attacking guile to hurt the Rossoneri.

With a sensational 10 goals in this year's competition, Kaka's importance to Milan is inestimable. No truly 'one-man team' would make it all the way to the final of the world's premier club competition, but the fear remains that, to a large extent, if the Reds can stop the Brazilian, they will blunt them as a creative force. That, however, is far easier said than done.

VERDICT
The stage is set for Kaka to seal his position at the summit of the world game. Benitez will set out his team to stop him, but as the one true potential 'great' on display he will lead Milan to a narrow victory in a tense, tactical battle in Athens.

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