Liverpool v Milan: Gerrard and Kaka hold the key to European glory

Liverpool and Milan will travel to Athens next Wednesday to fight it out in the Champions League Final - just as they did in that dramatic Istanbul encounter two years ago.

When the Reds last met Milan, the game was so closely fought that it ended in a penalty shoot-out after 30 minutes of gruelling extra-time football. With some spectacular saves from Jerzy Dudek, Liverpool were able to walk out on top with five Champions League titles to their historic name.

This time, they will look to Stevie Gerrard to lead them with nothing but victory on their minds. Gerrard says the team is full of confidence as they look to bring the trophy back to Mersyside for a sixth time. Despite the confidence Liverpool will bring to the part,  Milan are no pushovers. After their victory against Premiership champions Manchester United, there is a lot that can be said about the strength and experience of the Milan squad. Gerrard says that Liverpool will give them their respect but will not fear them. 

Fans know that Liverpool can beat the best teams in the world. On the road to the final, they overcame Barcelona, playing consistently attacking football. I was in Spain at the time of this match-up in a bar full of Liverpool supporters. The atmosphere was piercing as the fans chanted "You'll Never Walk Alone" to the dismay of the Barcelona fans outside.

One thing I feel will help the Anfield men to withstand the Milan pressure will be the Liverpool Faithful. However, Milan will try to crash the party, combining a team of youth and experience. They will not be seeking revenge against the Reds but they know they must keep their concentration levels up at all times. After some recent aggravation to his knee, Paolo Maldini looks set to lead the Italian side. The one person who may well spoil the Red parade is the Brazilian Kaka. He has great control, is a deadly striker, and showed all of us what he is capable of against United.

Liverpool, on the other hand, will look to Gerrard and Xabi Alonso in order to feed striker Dirk Kuyt with chances. Both teams have their strong points and achilles heels, so neither must let their guards down or the other will capitalise without giving a second thought.