Paul Merson said Premier League leaders, Man City are unlikely to win UCL given their style of play and the way they attack
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Arsenal midfielder, Paul Merson, has tipped one of two English clubs, Liverpool or Chelsea as favourites to win this season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL).
The Gunners legend made this known on Sky Sports on Monday while analysing the Carabao Cup final, in which Chelsea lost to Liverpool on penalties.
If The Reds lift the trophy this year, it will mean they have won it twice in the last 4 seasons, while a win for The Blues will imply they successfully defended their title.
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According to Paul Merson, even though the Carabao final did not produce a goal in 120 minutes, the two teams put up great attacking and defensive displays throughout the encounter.
He went on to predict that one of Chelsea or Liverpool will win this year’s UEFA Champions League, given the fact that Premier League leaders, Man City are likely to concede in regulation time with the way they play.
“I watched the game yesterday and those two are not going to be a million miles away from winning the Champions League. They have got the best two defences in Europe and if you want to win Champions League football over two legs, you need to keep clean sheets.
“I think those teams have the ammunition going forward. People will say, ‘well, it was a 0-0’, but it was not a 0-0 game was it? It was outstanding. Great goalkeeping, great defending, good centre-forward play. Not great finishing, but it just showed me that both teams are bang in there for the Champions League.
“One of the two [will win it]. They are so good at the back. I watch Man City and they will give you a chance” he said.
The ex-England international also said Liverpool stands a better chance of lifting the UCL trophy than winning the Premier League given the margin of error allowed in both competitions.
“I think Liverpool have got more chances of winning the Champions League than the Premier League. They can lose three more matches in the Champions League and still win it, but if they lose three Premier League games they have no chance. They have got no leeway in the Premier League,” he added