Arsenal Snubbed as McCoist and Hargreaves Pick Champions League Favourites

TNT Sports Pundits Ally McCoist and Owen Hargreaves Snub Arsenal Despite Dominant European Run While Naming Their Champions League Favourites.

Arsenal Champions League momentum has failed to convince some pundits, after Ally McCoist and Owen Hargreaves overlooked Mikel Arteta’s side when naming their favourites to win the competition.

The Gunners have been one of Europe’s most impressive teams this season. Arsenal dominated the league phase with eight wins from eight matches, conceding only four goals and finishing top of the standings ahead of Bayern Munich.

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That record has placed Arteta’s team among the strongest contenders for the trophy. Arsenal will face Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16, with the first leg scheduled to take place in Germany this week.

Despite that form — and a favourable path potentially opening in the quarter-finals against Bodø/Glimt or Sporting CP — the TNT Sports panel still backed other clubs to lift the trophy in Budapest.

McCoist Backs Defending Champions Paris Saint-Germain

Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist stayed loyal to his original prediction by backing Paris Saint-Germain to win the tournament again.

The French champions lifted the trophy last season after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the final, and McCoist believes they remain the team to beat.

Speaking on TNT Sports’ Champions League preview show, McCoist explained that he had supported PSG from the start of the competition.

“I’ve said right from the start of the competition — Paris — and I’m not changing,” McCoist said.

When asked why he overlooked Arsenal despite their strong campaign, the pundit admitted the Gunners still have a chance but insisted his prediction would remain the same.

“Arsenal could win it, of course they could. But you asked me who I think will win it.”

Hargreaves Picks Barcelona as his Champions League Favourites

Former England midfielder Owen Hargreaves also bypassed Arsenal when making his prediction.

Instead, he selected Barcelona as his favourites to become European champions.

Hargreaves acknowledged that Arsenal have benefited from a favourable draw but believes Barcelona’s attacking quality could prove decisive.

“Arsenal have a brilliant chance with that draw,” Hargreaves said before revealing his pick.

“But I’m going to go with Barca.”

The former Bayern Munich midfielder pointed to Barcelona’s attacking talent as a major reason for his choice.

“Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Pedri, Frenkie de Jong — they’ve got incredible players. And their manager Hansi Flick has already won the Champions League.”

Arsenal’s Path Could Open Up

Despite the pundit predictions, Arsenal remain one of the leading contenders according to statistical models and bookmakers.

Opta’s supercomputer currently gives Arsenal the highest probability of winning the competition, with a 27.4 percent chance of lifting the trophy.

Bookmakers have also installed the Gunners among the clear favourites.

Arteta’s side could face Bodø/Glimt or Sporting CP in the quarter-finals if they progress past Bayer Leverkusen, potentially avoiding some of Europe’s traditional giants until the latter stages.

Gerrard Highlights Arsenal’s Credentials

Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard, who also appeared on the TNT Sports panel, acknowledged Arsenal’s strong position in the competition.

Gerrard also discussed the heavyweight clash between Manchester City and Real Madrid, describing that tie as a “50-50” contest between two European powerhouses.

While the panel praised several teams across the draw, many observers were surprised that Arsenal — given their dominant performances — were not selected as the outright favourites.

Extra Motivation for Arteta’s Side

For Arsenal, the predictions could provide additional motivation as the knockout rounds begin.

The club has never won the Champions League, with their closest attempt coming in 2006 when they reached the final.

Arteta’s team now enters the decisive phase of the competition with confidence, strong squad depth and impressive defensive form.

If they continue their dominant run in Europe, Arsenal will have the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong — and perhaps finally secure the club’s first Champions League crown.

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