By Stuart Roach BBC Sport Online

Sir Alex Ferguson claimed on Wednesday that Manchester United v Liverpool would be a thrilling contest, even if they were playing tiddlywinks.

United's win over Blackburn on Wednesday set up a mouthwatering Worthington Cup final with their fierce rivals Liverpool.

Final medal table

Man Utd: 5 golds Liverpool: 5 golds

And Ferguson's comments set the football world wondering just who would triumph in that game of tiddlywinks - or other big match-ups between the two great rivals.

Here, BBC Sport Online ponders how the Manchester United v Liverpool Olympics might shape up.

Tiddlywinks
So who would win Ferguson's big Tiddlywink showdown?

United probably. The likes of Giggs and Beckham are full of neat tricks and flicks - and the way Scholes is hitting the target right now, Liverpool would not have a flippin' chance.
Verdict: Man Utd.

100 metre sprint
It's not just the pace of Michael Owen that would tip the balance in Liverpool's favour here.

Consider the starts to the season these two sides made: Liverpool lightning fast out of the blocks, United unsure of themselves as they took time to get into their stride.
Verdict: Liverpool

Marathon
Only one winner. The electric start Liverpool enjoyed has been forgotten, as they have not so much hit the wall as slammed up against it.

United, meanwhile, are getting their second wind - a classic tale of the hare and the tortoise.

It's a marathon, not a sprint.
Verdict: Man Utd

110 metre hurdles
Tough one to call as both sides have overcome major obstacles this year.

Eight of United's key players have faced operations this year; Liverpool have suffered a crisis of confidence.

But while United always knew those key men would return for the second half of the season, Liverpool did not know where their next win was coming from.
Verdict: Liverpool by a whisker

Shooting
This would be one of the most eagerly-awaited events of the meeting.

Michael Owen remains one of the hottest shots in the Premiership but is being outgunned this season by United's Ruud van pistol boy.

Milan Baros has been a find for Liverpool but Emile Heskey has scored once in 21 games, while United have Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Diego Forlan and the in-form Scholes.
Verdict: Rapid-fire United

Rowing
"It's all about pulling together", Houllier said recently, showing a clear instinct for the art of rowing.

"We are all in the same boat", he added. Ferguson and United have clearly got no chance.
Verdict: Liverpool by a distance

Boxing
Not the contest it would have been 20 years ago.

Tommy Smith v Joe Jordan would have been a mouthwatering clash and Vladimir Smicer v Phil Neville just isn't on the same bill.

Liverpool might fancy throwing Chris Kirkland into the ring after offering up a change of gloves this season but, realistically, if the gloves were off no-one would fancy taking on the resurgent Roy Keane.
Verdict: Gold medal to Keane

Darts
Red arrows have been evenly distributed in recent years. United landed the treble in 1999 - Liverpool went Shanghai in cup competitions in 2001.

But it's doubles that win games and Liverpool last hit one in 1986. United have landed two since then, in 1994 and 1996, to complement their all conquering 1999 campaign.
Verdict: Deadly finishing for Man Utd

Diving
This is a highly-controversial event.

On one side is Ruud van Nistelrooy, regularly accused of taking a tumble to win a penalty. On the other are Michael Owen and Emile Heskey, who have faced similar accusations.

But Heskey can't help it and Owen will always be forgiven for falling under Mauricio Pochettino's challenge as England beat Argentina, so it's gold to Liverpool.
Verdict: Liverpool

Sack race
Probably now a non-event.

No danger of United even featuring in this. Sir Alex has a job for life at Old Trafford and, when he does go, it will be his decision.

Liverpool boss Gerard Houllier has saved his neck with a cup final appearance and could conceivably end the season with three trophies and a Champions League place.
Verdict: Liverpool (if anyone)

Final medal table: Liverpool 5 Man Utd 5