Manchester United central defender Nemanja Vidic expects a battle every time he faces English opposition whether at home or in European competition.
Next up are league rivals Chelsea and the formidable Didier Drogba on Wednesday in the Champions League final.
Vidic knows all about Drogba, having been left concussed after the striker's knee accidentally made contact with his face in the 2-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge last month.
The Serbia international had only just returned to the side after a stomach virus on the eve of the Champions League first leg semi-final match against Barcelona.
With a knee injury also keeping him on the sidelines, Vidic is hoping for a change of luck in Russia, where he had a spell with Spartak Moscow.
He will be refreshed after a week nursing his bruises after coming up against Wigan Athletic’s towering pair of Emile Heskey and Marcus Bent.
United recorded a 2-0 victory at the JJB Stadium to retain their Barclays Premier League title.
Wigan, under former Old Trafford favourite Steve Bruce, gave their all in front of a passionate
home crowd.
Vidic said: ’It doesn't matter if it is Drogba, Bent or Heskey as every game is hard.
‘Sometimes you find a match here does not go as you would expect.
‘Drogba is a good player, very strong and fast. He has shown that by scoring many goals. You do not know what he is going to do next time.
‘I have been struggling a little bit with injuries but will be ready for the Chelsea game, physically and mentally.’
Vidic was impressive alongside Rio Ferdinand in a United side that conceded only 22 league goals on the way to retaining their crown.
Now they are in sight of a glorious double and Vidic believes striker Carlos Tevez could hold the key to success.
Tevez has settled in quickly at Old Trafford after arriving in the summer on a two-year loan deal.
He has already indicated he would be keen to stay on at Old Trafford in the long-term.
Vidic said: ‘We have confidence in our forwards. Carlos is a man who wants to get better every day and improve himself on the pitch.
‘Small things will decide who wins the final and we have some good players who can score goals. That is what will be needed.’
Chelsea are hurting after losing the title to United on the final day of the season and Vidic is expecting a tight game.
He added: ‘We know how they play and I don't think there will be many surprises in the game.
‘I am looking forward to it and I will give my best for United as I always do.
‘Every player dreams of playing in a final like this and I am no different.’
