England legend Gary Lineker predicts Arsenal will defeat Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final and secure a historic double by also clinching the Premier League title.
Arsenal Regain Premier League Momentum
Arsenal have steadied their form in the Premier League after a brief dip, with Manchester City’s loss to Everton restoring Mikel Arteta’s side to the top spot. The Gunners face West Ham on Sunday evening to strengthen their lead, while City host Brentford on Saturday, eager to preserve their own double hopes following their Carabao Cup victory over Arsenal in March.
Path to the Champions League Final
Arsenal advanced to their second-ever Champions League final with Bukayo Saka’s decisive goal against Atletico Madrid at the Emirates Stadium. Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions, eliminated Bayern Munich the next day, setting up a clash of contrasting styles at Budapest’s Puskas Arena on May 30.
PSG enter as favorites, but Arsenal remain unbeaten throughout the tournament, boasting the fewest goals conceded and most clean sheets.
Lineker’s Prediction and Analysis
“The final will be a fascinating game,” said Lineker on The Rest Is Football. “PSG have to be the favorites. They’ve won it already, but Arsenal are a tough nut to crack.”
He gives PSG a 60-40 edge but admits a “sneaky feeling” that Arsenal will achieve the double. “Finals are often dogged affairs, and I’ve just got this sneaky feeling that Arsenal are going to do this double,” Lineker added. “My feelings are usually wrong, by the way!”
Lineker highlights Arsenal’s strong showing against Atletico, with no weak links. “It would be something very special indeed,” he noted on the potential double.
Standout Performances Fuel Optimism
Lineker praised Viktor Gyokeres, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice, and Ben White. Gyokeres delivered a standout display, reinvigorated for the big occasion, as Arsenal quickly advanced the ball to him.
“Myles Lewis-Skelly was one of the reasons for that, the way he turns and looks forward,” Lineker said. “Declan Rice was running past people. He covers some mileage and is an amazing athlete as well as a wonderful footballer.”
“Ben White was terrific, really good,” he added.
PSG’s Versatility Under Luis Enrique
Lineker notes PSG’s adaptability, particularly their defensive solidity against Bayern. “Luis Enrique can do everything. He’s such a talented coach who gets the best out of his players,” he said. “Arsenal are tough to score against, they really are.”
The matchup promises excitement between two elite sides with distinct approaches.
