Paul Merson makes huge Arsenal Champions League prediction as Man City and Man Utd sent message

Paul Merson has backed Arsenal as the only team to rival Manchester City in Champions League this season. Pep Guardiola's side won the competition last term, beating Inter Milan in the final just weeks after snatching the Premier League title from the Gunners' grasp.

After six-years of failing to qualify for Europe's major tournament, Arsenal will finally kickstart their Champions League campaign on Wednesday night against PSV Eindhoven. Before a ball has even been kicked, Merson has insisted that the north Londoners are the only side who can go toe-to-toe with City over 90 minutes.

«I think they're (City) the team to beat,» the former Arsenal midfielder said on Sky Sports. «I think they're head and shoulders above everybody, in my opinion. I think the only thing that can beat them really for me is the final when it's a one-off game but when you're playing over two legs, 180 minutes, I don't know anybody who's going to be able to mix it with them I really don't.

»And I think they will take all the beating. I think when you look at Real Madrid when they won it three times on the trot, I don't think it was as that much dominant as what you'd think Man City are now, do you know what I mean?

«When you look at the teams like Bayern Munich Arsenal, PSG – I don't think Real Madrid were that far clear of the rest. I mean you had Barcelona, who was heads or tails. Here, I don't see heads or tails you – I think for me the danger would be Arsenal, I would say.

»I just think Arsenal's group's a good group. I think when it gets down to nitty-gritty over two legs. I just think over one leg that would be their only Achilles heel, Man City, because anything can happen in 90 minutes."

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