[MarkWaldorf]

THE X Factor clash between LEONA LEWIS and RAY QUINN is shaping up to be the reality TV equivalent of the FA Cup Final.

It’s got all the hallmarks of a classic match — the underdog from the North taking on the big gun from the South — just like a Cup Final between Liverpool and Chelsea.

The battle lines have been drawn and both sides are desperate to take home the trophy on Saturday.

And my money is now on cheeky scouser Ray Quinn to steal it over the 90 minutes. OK, I’m a bit biased because I was born in Anfield.

And like many other Reds fans I reached for my phone to vote for Ray the moment he sang the opening line to You’ll Never Walk Alone.

But I genuinely think he’s got in his locker what it takes to pull off the biggest upset in the contest yet when the ref blows the final whistle on Saturday.

Let’s just examine the stats for a minute.

At the start of the season it looked like it was going to be a two-horse race between BEN and Leona.

But it seems the bookies forgot Ray has the mighty Kop Army behind him, not to mention every other vote from the North West.

Ray outclassed and outwitted opponent Ben on Saturday, at the same time pulling off one of the biggest surprise victories in the championship.

Performing You’ll Never Walk Alone was a stroke of tactical genius.

Leona has also got the technical ability to outclass Ray on the night with a huge MARIAH CAREY-style ballad which could have her fans reaching for their hankies on the terraces.

But I’m backing Ray to step up to the challenge and get his tactics right when it matters.

I understand EVERYONE is allowed a favourite, an opinion etc But why do people prefer Ray to win? In my opinion, he wouldn't last 5 minutes in the music industry. Leona has the voice, the looks and the charm to sell. Ray is a good singer, but Leona is much better. Which is why she should win.

Just because Ray has a good stage presence, and entertains, that doesnt mean he should win. When you're recording CDs, the public wont be looking for entertainment, or a good presence, they'll be looking for the voice, the lyrics. If Ray is good entertainment, he should do Musicals or what not. But in all honesty, I think Leona should win.