Arsenal legend Paul Merson has predicted the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 fixtures between Paris Saint-Germain vs. Liverpool and Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa.
Paris Saint-Germain will host Liverpool in the Champions League last-16 first-leg tie on Wednesday night.
Aston Villa will clash with Club Brugge in the Champions League last-16 first-leg match on Tuesday evening.
Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Merson backed Liverpool to secure at least a draw against PSG in Paris.
He also tipped Aston Villa to beat Club Brugge and advance to the quarter-finals.
“I don’t see Liverpool winning at Paris Saint-Germain—they have to come back with at least a draw,” Merson said of PSG vs. Liverpool.
“This is a game where either one of these two teams could finish the tie in 45 minutes if the other one has an off day. That is why this is a good cup tie. Both sides can absolutely rip you apart.”
On Club Brugge vs. Aston Villa, Merson added: “It’s a good draw for Aston Villa, but it will be a hard game.
“Club Brugge aren’t bad; they ripped Atalanta apart, which was a bit of a shock in my opinion. Brugge beat Villa in the league phase too when Tyrone Mings put his hand on the ball.
“I expect Villa to go through, but I hope people don’t turn up thinking they are through already. Complacency is the one thing that could do them in.”
