Arsenal icon Theo Walcott has boldly claimed that Real Madrid would finish eighth in the Premier League. Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney and Premier League Hall of Famer Alan Shearer have predicted differently.
Speaking to Amazon Prime Video's social media accounts, the pundits were asked to predict where Real Madrid would finish if they played in the Premier League. Walcott claimed that Los Blancos would struggle away from home, especially against Crystal Palace, Leeds United, and Newcastle United.
He went on to state that the Spanish side would miss out on UEFA Champions League and Europa League football and said:
"Good question. I feel they might struggle at Crystal Palace away. At Leeds. Away at nights. St James' Park. The weather plays its part as well. [They will finish] Eighth. There's gonna be a lot of Madrid fans not happy with that. But I do feel there's teams that are more equipped in the Premier League and I don't think Real Madrid would one of those teams."
Rooney backed Real Madrid to finish in the top four, but echoed Walcott's comments about struggling in the away games. He added they will have tougher games in the league than they do in La Liga and said:
"I think some of the away games and you'd have a lot more difficult games than they have in the calendar year in Spain. Certainly in the top four."
Shearer also believed that they would finish in the top four, but backed them to do well as they have the players who can score enough goals. His worry was about them conceding too many, and he said:
"They may struggle, I think, for consistency, but I think when you look at the quality they have, particularly in forward positions. I'm sure they would concede a few, but top four for me. Don't think they would win it though."
Los Blancos have played 44 matches against English sides in their history, winning 17 and losing 14 times.
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