Full Breakdown
Champions League Quarter-Finals: Pundits Weigh In on Potential Winners
3/29/2026, 11:49:28 AM
Overview of the Quarter-Finals
As the UEFA Champions League approaches the quarter-finals, only eight teams remain in contention, with Premier League clubs Arsenal and Liverpool among them. Arsenal secured their spot by defeating Bayer Leverkusen, while Liverpool overcame Galatasaray in a comeback victory. The tournament resumes after the international break, intensifying the focus on which teams are favored to win.
Key Teams and Their Paths
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning champions, have faced challenges in their domestic league but advanced past Monaco and Chelsea to set up a rematch with Liverpool, whom they eliminated on penalties last season. Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid also progressed despite finishing outside the top eight in their league phases, defeating Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, respectively. Madrid will face Bayern Munich, while Atletico will meet Barcelona, who recently dominated Newcastle with an 8-3 aggregate score.
Pundit Predictions
Jamie Carragher's Forecast
Jamie Carragher, a CBS Sports pundit, predicts a final between PSG and Arsenal, favoring Arsenal to win. He stated, "Most people will say Bayern are a better team than PSG this season but that will not sway me. PSG will be in the final." Carragher believes Arsenal's style will suit the Champions League format better than their domestic matches.
Thierry Henry's Perspective
Thierry Henry expressed a nuanced view, recognizing both Arsenal and Barcelona as potential finalists. He noted Barcelona's need for consistency but acknowledged Bayern Munich's strength, suggesting they could be the team to beat.
Micah Richards and Paul Merson
Micah Richards supports Arsenal, citing their Premier League leadership and unbeaten record in the group stage. He remarked, "I think Arsenal are the favourites for the Champions League because I think it will suit them more than the domestic games." Conversely, Paul Merson has grown skeptical of Arsenal's chances following their Carabao Cup final defeat, questioning their ability to exploit Barcelona's high defensive line.
Owen Hargreaves and Steven Gerrard
Owen Hargreaves initially favored Bayern Munich but shifted his support to Barcelona, citing their aggressive play and strong squad depth. Steven Gerrard, a Liverpool legend, believes Liverpool could surprise many, stating, "I think Bayern and Liverpool could be the ones people don’t think can get there, but they can."
Market Insights
Despite Arsenal's recent League Cup defeat, they remain the favorites in prediction markets, with a 27% probability of winning the Champions League, closely followed by Bayern Munich at 22%. Barcelona is seen as a contender with a 17% chance, while PSG and Real Madrid trail with 13% and 11%, respectively.
Conclusion
The Champions League quarter-finals promise to deliver thrilling matchups, with pundits divided on potential winners. As the tournament progresses, the predictions may shift based on team performances and injuries, particularly for key players like PSG's Desire Doue, who is currently facing fitness concerns ahead of the clash with Liverpool. The upcoming matches will be pivotal in determining which team emerges as the favorite to lift the trophy.
