QUESTION 1 Who is going to win?

QUESTION 2 Who will be the man of the match?

QUESTION 3 Are these the two best sides in Europe? If not, who are?

QUESTION 4 What do you think the key to the game will be?

PELE

Three-time World Cup-winner and Brazilian legend

1 Milan, but it’s my heart talking, because of all the Brazilians there.

2 Kaká, the boy has grown and this will be his day to shine.

3 The teams I have loved to watch this season are Arsenal, Milan and Barcelona. It’s not just about results, it’s about how you play the game.

4. It has been a long season and I think momentum becomes very important. Milan struggled in the first half of the year but have gone from to strength to strength recently and I think that will be crucial.

ANDRIY SHEVCHENKO

The Chelsea striker and a former European Footballer of the Year

1 Milan, 2-0, with goals from Kaká and [Clarence] Seedorf.

2 Kaká.

3 It’s difficult to say, but for me three teams have stood above all others, this season: Manchester United, Chelsea and Milan, in no particular order.

4 I’m going to make a joke. The key, as far as I’m concerned, is Milan going 2-0 up and then stopping there. If they go 3-0 up, I will get very nervous.

LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI

Coach of Portugal and Brazil’s World Cup-winning team in 2002

1 Milan

2 Kaká. Not just because he is in outstanding form, but because he has the maturity necessary to carry his team in the biggest games.

3 Manchester United. They were fantastic this season and have one of the top five midfielders in the world in Paul Scholes.

4 Whoever dominates the midfield will win. Milan have the best midfield in the world, with Kaká, Pirlo and Seedorf giving creativity and Ambro-sini and Gattuso providing workrate.

CRAIG BROWN

Former Scotland manager

1 Liverpool

2 Dirk Kuyt. I’ve always liked him and he’s shown over the last few years that he’s a big game player.

3 For much of the season I would have said Lyons, but they were knocked out of Europe and then fell away at the end. Milan have occasionally been excellent, though I suspect they tire against big teams.

4 The key to winning a game like this is not to make mistakes. And I think Liverpool have the experience in such situations to not make any. And Rafa BenÍtez is a master tactician.

LEONARDO

Former Milan and Brazil star

1 I don’t really want to say but, if you’re forcing me, I guess Milan. But it’s so, so close.

2 The stage is all set for Kaká. If he can do it again, he will be consecrated as one of the greatest in the world.

3 Again, if pressed, I’ll say Manchester United, Milan, Chelsea, Liverpool, Inter, Lyons and Barcelona. Am I allowed to mention that many?

4 Milan need to play their game. If it becomes a tight tactical battle, the edge goes to Liverpool; if it’s an open football game, maybe Milan have the advantage.

ENZO FRANCESCOLI

Former Uruguay, River Plate and Marseilles star, now chief executive of GolTV in the United States

1 Milan, they have that little bit extra.

2 Kaká and Gerrard are the obvious choices, but Kaká has the edge.

3 Barcelona, though Inter, Milan, Manchester United and Chelsea aren’t far behind.

4 Liverpool never ever give up and that’s their strength. Milan will have to be as good as they were against United and they will have to either not think about Istanbul or draw strength from it.

RAUL TAMUDO

Captain of Espanyol, the Uefa Cup finalists

1 The fans. Whatever happens it will be a great game.

2 It’s impossible to pick a player who stands out in a final like this.

3 I don’t think there has been one outstanding team in Europe this year. But I do think that people should consider Seville and us of Espanyol among the best teams this year.

4 The key is not to think about what happened in Istanbul. And that applies to both teams, there is nothing to be gained by it!

GIORGIO CHINAGLIA

Former Italy, Lazio and New York Cosmos star

1 Milan will win, but it will be a very tight game, 1-0 at most.

2 Kaká.

3 Manchester United and Chelsea.

4 The key will be Milan’s lone striker, which will give Kaká more space in which to operate. I think the plan is to start with Gilardino, wear them down and then throw on Inzaghi for the last 20 minutes. Liverpool defend well, but I don’t think they have the outstanding individuals to counter Milan, except maybe for Gerrard.

BRUCE ARENA

New York Red Bulls manager, former United States coach

1 Milan.

2 Kaká will certainly have a big influence. At the other end, I think Reina could be crucial.

3 The best I’ve seen are Milan, Manchester United and Barcelona . . . despite the fact that Barça haven’t had their best season.

4 The key for Milan is scoring early. Many of the Italian players were part of the team that won the World Cup and they know how to perform in the big games.

TONY CASCARINO

Former Millwall, Aston Villa, Celtic, Chelsea and Marseilles forward and Times columnist

1 Liverpool, if they play two strikers.

2 Jamie Carragher. Liverpool need him to silence Kaká.

3 Chelsea, when they have their first-choice XI, are the best – so hard to beat. Second, probably Manchester United when they play 4-4-2. Milan aren’t far behind.

4 Liverpool have to contain Milan’s awesome midfield. That means the centre backs taking a chance and pushing up to close them down.