The Experts' View: Our writers predict Wembley outcome

James Lawton

Sports Writer of the Year

It will take huge, maybe even superhuman, effort in the midfield, but Manchester United do have the means to win. Ji-Sung Park's recent attack-dog performance against Chelsea might be one point of hope. Barça ooze class, of course, but if United are able to frustrate Lionel Messi to any degree, Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez might just plunder the upset victory.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-2 Man United

Glenn Moore

Football Editor

Unless there is an early goal the match could be a disappointment as United are likely to keep it tight while Barça have suffered a dip in form. The tie would thus need a moment of individual magic to win it, and Barcelona have more wizards.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-0 Man United

Ian Herbert

Northern Football Correspondent

Though the manager is their greatest asset and he believes there were several mistakes last time that he can rectify, United do not possess the individuals to overcome the world's greatest side. Barcelona to win.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Man United

Sam Wallace

Football Correspondent

Manchester United to win in extra time.I just fancy them to be solid early on and see off the best Barcelona have. Barça do have a reputation for slowing down after the break. I can't see United making the same elementary mistakes they did in 2009.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-2 Man United (after extra time)

Brian Viner

Columnist

It will be a pretty cagey first half with both teams going for it in the second 45 minutes. I think it will be 1-1 after 90 minutes and 2-2 after extra time, with United winning on penalties and Edwin van der Sar entering retirement as a hero.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-2 Man United (United win on pens)

Mark Fleming

Football Writer

Manchester United will obviously need to play an almost perfect game if they are to prosper tonight. They shouldperform better than theydid in 2009, when they seemed confused by Lionel Messi's 'false nine' role, but I think they will fall short again.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-0 Man United

Neil Warnock

Columnist

I think the final will be very tight, certainly too close to call to risk having a bet on it (even if I gambled). Forced to pick a winner I'd go for Manchester United, but they need to get the first goal. Then their defence will have to be at their best to keep out Pep Guardiola's array of attackers.

Prediction: Barcelona 1-2 Man United

Pete Jenson

European Football Correspondent

Lionel Messi will finally score on English soil after not having done it in six previous attempts. Wayne Rooney will test Barcelona defensively, regardless of whether its Puyol or Mascherano in the centre of defence, and will score United's goal.

Prediction: Barcelona 2-1 Man United

Jack Pitt-Brooke

Football Writer

Of course Barcelona are technically better, and of course they will have more of the ball. But I think Javier Hernandez is the ideal striker to trouble Barcelona, and if he steals an early goal I'd back United to repel the siege for the rest of the evening.

Prediction: Barcelona 0-1 Man United

Route To The Final

Barcelona

Group D: Winners, 14pts

Panathinaikos (h) Won 5-1

Rubin Kazan (a) Drew 1-1

Copenhagen (h) Won 2-0

Copenhagen (a) Drew 1-1

Panathinaikos (a) Won 3-0

Rubin Kazan (h) Won 2-0

Round of 16

Arsenal (a) Lost 2-1

Arsenal (h) Won 3-1

(Won 4-3 on agg)

Quarter-final

Shktr Donetsk (h) Won 5-1

Shktr Donetsk (a) Won 1-0

(Won 6-1 on agg)

Semi-final

Real Madrid (a) Won 2-0

Real Madrid (h) Drew 1-1

(Won 3-1 on agg)

Leading Champions League scorers this season:

Messi 11, Pedro 4, Villa 3

Manchester United

Group C: Winners, 14pts

Rangers (h) Drew 0-0

Valencia (a) Won 1-0

Bursaspor (h) Won 1-0

Bursaspor (a) Won 3-0

Rangers (a) Won 1-0

Valencia (h) Drew 1-1

Round of 16

Marseilles (a) Drew 0-0

Marseilles (h) Won 2-1

(Won 2-1 on agg)

Quarter-final

Chelsea (a) Won 1-0

Chelsea (h) Won 2-1

(Won 3-1 on agg)

Semi-final

Schalke 04 (a) Won 2-0

Schalke 04 (h) Won 4-1

(Won 6-1 on agg)

Leading Champions League scorers this season:

Hernandez 4 (left), Anderson 3, Rooney 3