ALAN SHEARER had his share of FA Cup agony losing two finals with Newcastle. But the England legend will be back at Wembley as a pundit today — expecting to see Chelsea carry off the silverware. Shearer believes Blues’ anger at missing out on Premiership and European Cup glory will see skipper John Terry carry off the trophy against Manchester United.Here he gives Sport his expert analysis of the two teams. Shearer concludes the wounded animal is ready to bite back — and he is not talking about Jose Mourinho’s Yorkie. He is convinced their desire to finish the season on a high, coupled with Didier Drogba’s ability up front, will win the day.
SHEARER ON THE TWO DEFENCES:"Nobody out there today will be more determined to lift the FA Cup than John Terry for Chelsea. "Blues may have finished the season second in the Premiership but they had the best defensive record, conceding just 24 goals — and skipper Terry is the main reason for that. "He reminds me very much of Tony Adams in his desire and approach to the game. "I have faced both — and they are a nightmare to play against for a striker.
"John loves a battle, but he is also cute enough to play a bit as well. "Like Adams he gives everything on the pitch and does everything to stop you. "He is clearly emotionally involved in everything at Chelsea, as well. He is to Jose Mourinho what Roy Keane was to Alex Ferguson — the general’s leader on the pitch. "I can really see him picking Chelsea up and leading them to victory at Wembley today.
"At the other end, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic have formed an excellent partnership. "This is the closest Manchester United have had to Steve Bruce and Gary Pallister. "Both are in their mid-20s, and can be the foundation for UnitedÂ’s team for years to come. "But they will need to be at their very best today, up against ChelseaÂ’s prolific Didier Drogba."
ON THE TWO MIDFIELDS:"CLAUDE MAKELELE has virtually invented a position all of his own — he plays it better than anyone and is one of the biggest reasons Chelsea rarely give away a lead. "I can’t remember teams even thinking of sitting one player in front of the back four until Makelele did it for Real Madrid. "From there, he reads the game brilliantly, breaks things up and then sets his own team going. "He provides the perfect base to allow Frank Lampard to do his stuff.
"These two provide a great contrast to the roles Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick have for United. "They both like to sit deep and release the likes of Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo."For me, Scholes has been the best central midfielder over the last decade. "You really appreciate his ability when you play with him — as I did with England. You just know if you make a run, he will pick you out.
"Again it is no coincidence that now he is back to his best, Manchester United are on for another Double. "Carrick cannot have a better teacher to learn from and he has slotted in perfectly alongside him."
ON THE TWO ATTACKS:"WHETHER you think Joe Cole is a midfielder or a striker thereÂ’s no doubt he has added something up front since returning to ChelseaÂ’s side. "Many people like to call Chelsea functional and itÂ’s true they do not have Manchester UnitedÂ’s flair. "But fit-again Cole gives them that air of unpredictability as he buzzes around in behind Didier Drogba.
"Drogba has been simply outstanding, topping the goal charts with 33 this term. Every big team has its big players for the big games — and he is Chelsea’s. "You can argue they rely on him too much for goals while Manchester United share the scoring around. "But he takes that responsibility on his shoulders and thrives on it. "He is so strong but also has a great touch, is good in the air and can shoot with either foot.
"Undoubtedly United have been the great entertainers up front this season. "What more can you say about Cristiano Ronaldo? His speed and control is breathtaking and he loves the big stage — and there will be none bigger than at Wembley today. "And Wayne Rooney was supposed to be having a bad season — but he is a player you can’t keep down."