Arsenal have been handed a prediction for their Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain by Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer
Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker made his thoughts on the Champions League final between Arsenal and PSG(Image: The Rest is Football podcast)
View 2 Images
Gary Lineker has a "sneaky feeling" that Arsenal will clinch both the Premier League title and Champions League. Over the past week, the Gunners have positioned themselves brilliantly to succeed in both competitions as they sit top of the league and have now reached the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Though the showdown is over three weeks away, predictions are already being made with Lineker and Alan Shearer at odds over which side they believe will be crowned European champions in Budapest.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer began: "PSG (will win it) I think, just because they know what they're going into and I maybe don't see as much pressure on them as Arsenal.
"Also the ability they've got in every single position and Luis Enrique has done it before. Only because of those reasons. I'm not sure it'll be a great final but I think they'll have the ability to get through it."
Lineker then replied: "I don't know about that, there will be a lot of good players on the pitch. Finals are often dogged affairs.
"I've just got this sneaky feeling Arsenal are going to do the double. I think PSG have to be favourites going into the game. You'd probably say 60/40 in their favour, something like that. But I've just got a feeling.
"My feelings are usually wrong by the way!" While Lineker and Shearer offered specific predictions, fellow presenter Micah Richards hedged his bets as he stated: "If you analyse the whole season, Arsenal have got a better chance than people give them credit for. They won the league phase, they were the best team.
Content Image
Content Image
"If Arsenal score first, they'll win it. But I think PSG have more ways of playing - then can play defensively and they can match you (tactically).
"On that basis, I would say PSG will win. But if Arsenal score first, they can lock it down. Whoever scores the first goal wins." Lineker then savagely quipped: "Here he goes, he's covering himself. Basically anything could happen then!"
Martin Odegaard of Arsenal reacts
Arsenal are looking for revenge on PSG
View 2 Images
PSG prevailed when the two sides clashed in last season's Champions League semi-final with Luis Enrique's outfit going on to thrash Inter 5-0 in the final.
Before their next encounter in Budapest, Arsenal face three crucial league fixtures against West Ham, Burnley and Crystal Palace to navigate in their title chase.
Five points is the difference between Mikel Arteta's team and Manchester City following their stalemate at Everton with Brentford, Palace, Bournemouth and Aston Villa as their remaining matches.