World-class duo to play key role in power struggle

HEAD TO HEAD RIO FERDINAND v DIDIER DROGBA

RIO FERDINAND has matured into one of the world’s best defenders, his pace, anticipation and aerial ability a match for even the great strikers. The lapses that characterised his early career have been all but eradicated, while he appears set to succeed Gary Neville as United captain in the near future.

But even Ferdinand might struggle to contain Didier Drogba playing to the peak of his powers. Arguably, there is no more complete centre forward on the planet, as the Ivorian demonstrated in the semi-final victory over Liverpool. The consistency of his finishing has come under scrutiny this season but only because he has dipped slightly below the incredible form of last term.