Paul Merson has backed Manchester City to win against Chelsea in the Champions League final this weekend, as quoted in The Daily Star.
Premier League clubs City and Chelsea will face each other in the final of Europe’s premier club competition on Saturday.
The match will be played in Portugal, and former Arsenal star Merson does not think that the Blues will win.
The Sky Sports pundit was not impressed by the way Chelsea played against Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend, and believes that Timo Werner will struggle against the City defence.
Merson wrote in The Daily Star: “After what I saw at Villa Park from Chelsea, I don’t give them any chance of beating Manchester City in the Champions League final.
“They should have a mental edge after beating City recently, and the pressure is off now they’ve finished in the top four. But Aston Villa was a must-win game and they just weren’t good enough. I worry for Chelsea now.
“The FA Cup final was the same. They dominated Leicester in the first half, but they don’t blow teams away. Timo Werner makes bad decisions and they don’t have anyone clinical enough – how many chances will they need to score against City?
“I hope Werner ends up being the hero but I just don’t see it. That City back four have been so solid. They don’t give you many chances.
“City will be nervous too. They are going for the Champions League for the first time. But if Chelsea have been losing big games lately, and if play like they did at Villa they’ve got no chance.”
Manchester City are favourites
Based on pure squad strength, you would have to make City the favourites.
However, Chelsea simply cannot be dismissed.
Under manager Thomas Tuchel, the Blues are defensively strong, even though they lost against Villa in the Premier League last weekend.
Recent results have not been great, but Tuchel has got the better of City in the Premier League.
City will play a high-pressing game and will go on the attack.
Chelsea do have the quality to soak the pressure, keep it tight in midfield, and hit on the counter.
You can bet that City manager Pep Guardiola is not taking Chelsea lightly at all.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
