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Graeme Le Saux and Ledley King tell us what it's like to play in a Capital One Cup final...

As we approach Sunday's Capital One Cup final, Graeme Le Saux and Ledley King discuss their experiences of the main event.

Le Saux enjoyed success with Chelsea in 1998 when the Blues beat Middlesbrough 2-0 after extra-time, while King played in three finals, lifting the cup in 2008 when Tottenham required extra-time to edge past Chelsea 2-1.

Here the duo share their memories of the build-up to the final and debate the merits of the two teams hoping to lift the 2015 Capital One Cup.

How was the week leading up to the final?

Le Saux: "Playing in my first cup final was something I was really excited about. We had a team at Chelsea that was very creative with a lot of flair and we were playing well. We all couldn't wait for the game. I remember thinking I didn't want to be distracted by the occasion and swept up in the excitement. It was a case of wanting to go out and play well but also enjoy it. I always felt that if we enjoyed our football and played with confidence, we'd be good enough to win."

King: "It's a different week, full of excitement and you're looking forward to going to Wembley. For some players it will be their first time there. You're excited, you're nervous, you really want to get out on the pitch and get the game under way."

What was the atmosphere like in the stadium?

King: "I remember the drive to Wembley in 2008 and seeing our fans outside and just hearing the noise. Once we'd seen our fans at the stadium it really gave us the energy to go and try to win the game. And going out to the pitch, again the fans were amazing. It almost felt like a home game."

Le Saux: "It was one of the things that stands out to me, walking out at Wembley. I'd been fortunate enough to walk out at Wembley quite a lot playing for England, so I was familiar with it. But walking out for Chelsea on that day in 1998 was very different. It really did make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up.

"The Chelsea fans that day were absolutely incredible. They'd been there the year before for the FA Cup final and I think they felt very confident that we could win the match. Walking out on to the pitch and taking in the atmosphere is something that will live with me forever."

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Is there pressure as favourites?

Le Saux: "We certainly went into the game as favourites, but it took us until extra-time to win the match, which proves how difficult it is to win cup finals and equally that form doesn't nexessarily mean you're nailed on to win it."

King: "We had an experienced team in 2002 (when Tottenham lost 2-1 to Blackburn) so I think we were the favourites really. We lost in the end but at the time you think the opportunity will come around again a lot quicker than it did. So I know that you can't take finals for granted, you have to go out there and give it everything as you never know when the next one is."

Did you contemplate extra-time and penalties?

King: "No not at all. As a defender I wasn't thinking about penalties! I don't think until later in the game do you begin to think about extra-time. When it went to extra-time against Chelsea in 2008 it was the last thing I needed because I'd been out for a month. It wasn't ideal. But when you're in a final you find that extra strength from somewhere, that's what's so special about it."

Le Saux: "The 90 minutes is all you think about. Looking back I hadn't even realised until someone reminded me that the game went to extra-time! Obviously I must have been a lot fitter then because if I don't remember it I must have been fresh."

Could Tottenham's impressive record in the closing stages prove decisive?

Graeme Le Saux - My Career Feature

King: "Of course. It's great to be able to go into games knowing you have that capability to win them at the death. Any time the team is a goal down or drawing, to still have that confidence and belief you can get a goal is priceless. That's what the team seems to have at the moment. They've got the fitness levels that mean they are in games right until the whistle blows and that could be vital come the final."

Le Saux: "I think both teams are fit, strong, physical teams that have got the ability to stay with the game as long as it takes. Spurs under Pochettino seem to be sharper and fitter in terms of being able to dig in for the whole 90 minutes and obviously they've got the quality to score goals. When you've got that threat, while the opponent might be dominating they still have to be very careful about switching off. Because players like Townsend, Kane and Eriksen have proven they can punish teams even when the momentum is with the opponent."

Harry Kane is consoled by John Terry after the Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham at Stamford Bridge in December 2014

Who would you prefer in your team: Kane or Costa?

King: "I've been really impressed with Costa in his first season in the Premier League. What I like about him is that he gives as good as he gets, he's always up for the fight and someone I would have enjoyed playing against. But Harry's having an unbelievable season. It's not just the goals he's scored, but his work rate and enthusiasm have really rubbed off on his team-mates. He seems to be the driving force behind the team at the moment. Hopefully at Wembley he can bring that drive and help Tottenham achieve a great result."

Le Saux: "The form Kane is in, his confidence and his belief, it puts him in that frame of mind that when he's in a position to score he's more than likely to take it. He's had a phenomenal season. Diego Costa's a very different player, obviously he has a lot more experience. His movement and anticipation, his physical presence and his goalscoring record, are phenomenal and it's hard to imagine that this is his first season in the Premier League. I think both teams will be happy having those players in their team."

How do you rate Tottenham's chances?

King: "It's a tough game but they can draw confidence from the performance earlier in the season against Chelsea. Tottenham will know they have players who can hurt Chelsea, but on the other side there are players who can hurt them. That's why we're all looking forward to this game - no one know what's going to happen. Whoever gets it right on the day will win."

And how will Chelsea cope without Matic?

Le Saux: "Matic is a big loss because his influence since he came back has been huge. He adds a dimension to the midfield that didn't exist before. That's not being disrespectful to Mikel or Ramires or players before that but he's got that incredible athleticism to get forward and protect the back four. And also on the ball he's a tremendous player."

Graeme Le Saux and Ledley King were speaking ahead of the Capital One Cup Final on behalf of Capital One  – the card in your corner. Visit facebook.com/CapitalOneUK

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