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."

Then, when quizzed on Arsenal's lack of experience in the Champions League, Merson replied: "I think they've got good players. I think with Declan rice coming in, I know he's not played in the Champions League but these are international pros.

"I mean they played in big tournaments, you know in European championships, World Cups which, to be honest, is bigger than the Champions League in my opinion.People keep on going how great it is but for me them two are bigger than that.

"I think they get through that group, I think they become a dangerous team when they get through the group. I think Arsenal are one of them teams you won't want to play, in my opinion. I think you get to the quarterfinals, last 16, I don't think you'd be happy if you drew Arsenal and that's why I think they got a chance.

"I think with the other teams – PSG have had 100 times better players over the years and they've never looked like really winning it and I don't see them winning it again this time around."