Arsenal named Champions League winners by pundits as quarter-finals approach

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Multiple pundits have backed Arsenal to lift their first Champions League trophy as the competition’s quarter-finals loom following the international break.

The Gunners are one of just two Premier League sides remaining in Europe’s premier competition after their victory over Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16. Liverpool are the only other English team to survive, with Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle and Tottenham all eliminated at the latest hurdle.

Arsenal topped the league phase standings and will face Sporting CP in the quarter-finals, setting up a rematch of their tense 2022/23 Europa League encounter. The competition remains wide open, with three lower-seeded clubs from the round of 16 still in contention alongside the favourites.

Carragher backs Arsenal for glory

According to Football London, CBS Sports analyst Jamie Carragher has predicted Arsenal will reach the final and defeat Paris Saint-Germain to claim their maiden European Cup.

“PSG will be in the final and then the winner will be… Arsenal will win the Champions League for the first time in their history,” Carragher said.

The former Liverpool defender believes Arsenal will overcome Barcelona in the semi-finals, stating that “that high line will cost Barcelona in the semi-final against Arsenal.”

Mixed predictions from other pundits

Micah Richards has also tipped Arsenal as his winner, suggesting the European format could suit Mikel Arteta’s side better than domestic competition.

“They’re top of the Premier League and I think Arsenal are the favourites for the Champions League because I think it will suit them more than the domestic games,” Richards commented on The Rest is Football.

However, former Arsenal player Paul Merson has expressed concerns about the Gunners’ prospects against Barcelona’s high line, questioning whether Arteta’s forward players possess the pace to trouble the Spanish side.

Thierry Henry finds himself torn between his former clubs Arsenal and Barcelona, while also suggesting Bayern Munich could emerge as the strongest contenders. TNT Sports analyst Owen Hargreaves initially backed Bayern before switching his prediction to Barcelona.

Steven Gerrard remains optimistic about Liverpool’s chances despite their inconsistent European form, believing Arne Slot’s team “stand as good a chance as any.”

Arsenal’s European campaign resumes after the international break with confidence high following their league phase triumph and strong domestic form. The quarter-final clash with Sporting CP represents the next step in what could be a historic European journey for the north London club.