Wenger, Merson Back Arsenal To Beat PSG In Champions League Final

Former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger believes the club can finally end their long wait for Champions League glory by defeating Paris Saint-Germain in Saturday’s final.

The Frenchman, who spent over two decades in charge at Arsenal, said he wants to see the trophy arrive at the Emirates after years of heartbreak in Europe.

Arsenal are chasing the first Champions League title in the club’s history, nearly 20 years after Wenger’s side lost to FC Barcelona in the 2006 final.

Speaking to the UK Mirror, Wenger recalled how close his team came to lifting the trophy.

“I want this trophy to go to the Emirates because it’s missing there,” Wenger said.

“We touched it before, we were thirteen minutes away from winning it, so you want it to happen this time.

“Overall, I believe this is a stage where we can grab it. I still believe it’s fifty-fifty in the final, and if I had to bet, I would bet on Arsenal more than on Paris Saint-Germain.”

Meanwhile, former England midfielder Paul Merson believes Arsenal’s biggest weapon against PSG will be their strength from set-pieces.

Merson said the physical advantage possessed by Arsenal could trouble the Ligue 1 champions throughout the final.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, he claimed PSG may struggle to cope with corners and free-kicks.

“I think they’ve got a chance, especially with the way they do set-plays,” Merson said.

“Anytime they get a set-piece will be like a penalty because PSG are a small team, they’re a good team but they’re a small team.

“I think PSG will struggle with that. You’re talking about one of the best forward lines against one of the best defences.”