The stylish Swiss ace faces the raging bull from Majorca as he bids for an Open-era record sixth consecutive men's singles title.
Federer, 26, suffered a humiliating defeat when they met on clay at the French Open last month.
But he has won his last 40 matches at Wimbledon, including the previous two finals against Spaniard Nadal, 22.
"Don't write me off too quickly," warned Federer after his near faultless straight sets 6-3 7-6 6-4 semi-final victory over Russia's Marat Safin, 28, extending his unbeaten record on grass to 65 matches.
"I don't think it matters really a lot if I'm favourite or not. I'm on an incredible winning streak on grass. First somebody has to be able to break that before we start talking differently."
Maestro Federer disposed of Safin in one hour and 42 minutes and then immediately turned his thoughts to tomorrow's showpiece, which could be threatened by rain.
"It's a huge thrill every time when I get to another Wimbledon final. It's been a perfect way to the finals."
He agreed that Nadal had improved on grass and was "a real threat," adding: "I enjoy the challenge. Rafa is a great competitor - every time I play him I want to try to beat him."
The man trying to take Federer's crown as the King of Centre Court faced a tougher match against Rainer Schuettler, 32, of Germany but still won in straight sets 6-1 7-6 6-4 in just one minute over two hours.
Having made 18 unforced errors, the No2 seed admitted it had not been his best performance at these Championships.
He's still striving for his first Wimbledon title in his third final against defending champion Federer. "I think, for me, he's the best in history," said Nadal.
"I feel I have to play very well if I want to have chances to win. But anything can happen," he added. "Is always tough to play against Roger. At the same time, Roger, I think, is tough play against me.
"Last year I was very close. I hope on Sunday be at the same performance, a little bit better, I have my chances to win. If I win here, probably going to be one of the most important wins in my career." Although his leg was strapped, Nadal again played down any injury concerns, saying he hoped to be 100 per cent fit for the final.
BRITAIN'S Jamie Murray failed to reach a second successive Wimbledon mixed doubles final as he and Liezel Huber saw Bob Bryan and Samantha Stosur win 2-6 7-6 (7-1) 6-4.
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