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Former Arsenal player Paul Merson has identified the one team he hopes his old club will avoid facing in the Champions League knockout phase this season.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has voiced his opinion on which team he believes the Gunners should avoid. With Arsenal having all but secured their spot in the last eight after a resounding 7-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash, Merson’s insights have sparked interest among fans and pundits alike.
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In a recent column for Sky Sports, Merson expressed his concerns about Arsenal potentially facing Real Madrid in the quarter-finals. He believes that the reigning Champions League holders would pose a significant challenge for Mikel Arteta’s side, especially given the current form and injury concerns within the squad.
Merson highlighted Real Madrid’s impressive track record in the competition, having won the Champions League a record 15 times. The Spanish giants boast a squad filled with world-class talent, including English midfielder Jude Bellingham, Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, and French striker Kylian Mbappe. According to Merson, these players could prove to be too much for Arsenal to handle over two legs.
On the other hand, Merson suggested that Arsenal would have a better chance against Atletico Madrid. He pointed out that Atletico’s style of play, which focuses on a strong defensive setup, might be more manageable for the Gunners. Merson noted that Atletico Madrid doesn’t typically blow teams away with their attacking prowess, making them a more favorable opponent for Arsenal.
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