UCL: Paul Merson u-turns, predicts team to win trophy
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has made a U-turn on his UEFA Champions League, UCL, semi-final and final predictions.
Paris Saint-Germain will face Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final second leg tie next week in Paris, while Inter Milan will host Barcelona at San Siro.
The French Ligue 1 side defeated Arsenal 1-0 in the semi-final first leg earlier this week, while Inter and Barça played out a 3-3 draw.
However, Merson had, prior to the semi-final first leg fixtures, predicted Arsenal to reach the Champions League final and also win the trophy.
But after watching the Champions League semi-final first leg encounters, Merson has now tipped both PSG and Inter Milan to reach the Champions League final later this month.
He has, however, backed the Serie A side to win the Champions League this term.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said: “Arsenal have a lot to do in the second leg against PSG after that 1-0 loss at the Emirates. They must now come out and score early at the Parc des Princes.
“Arsenal won the game at the Bernabeu because Real Madrid had to chase the tie. PSG won’t have to do that next week and if I’m being honest, I’d have to pick the Ligue 1 champions to reach the final.”
Commenting on the other semi-final, Merson added: “Barcelona are going to play only one way and that is open and direct attacking football. Fair play to Inter, they have always had the reputation of being a defensive team but had a real go in that 3-3 draw.
“I think it will be 2-2 and it will go to penalties. If I had to pick one team, it would be Inter. Since the first day, I have backed them to win the Champions League and I stick by that.”
