Jamie Carragher now claims Arsenal ‘would beat’ two powerhouses in Champions League

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Arsenal are set to face FC Porto in the Champions League round of 16, and should they beat the Portuguese giants, they may fancy their chances in the competition.

The Gunners are back in the Champions League for the first time since 2017, and have not reached the quarter-finals since 2010, but their performances in recent weeks may make them one of the favourites to lift the trophy.

The usual European powerhouses of Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and Real Madrid will naturally be in contention, whilst Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are also backed to go far.

Arsenal’s lack of European pedigree, or experience within the squad, could let them down, but Jamie Carragher has now claimed that he would back the Gunners to beat Bayern Munich or PSG.

Jamie Carragher backs Arsenal to go far in Champions League

Speaking on The Overlap, Carragher claimed that Arsenal are simply a better team than some of the other European giants competing in the Champions League knockout stages.

“I’m looking at the Champions League thinking, ‘Who could stop [Manchester] City?’, I’m thinking probably Arsenal. If they met each other, we know City would be massive favourites, but I think Arsenal have got a decent chance,” he stated.

“When you look at it, because Arsenal haven’t won anything big yet, this team, we’re still thinking how good are they, then you go & watch the Champions League & I’m watching Bayern Munich. Arsenal are a better team, Arsenal would beat Bayern Munich. I think Arsenal would beat PSG.”

Can Arsenal go far in Europe?

Thierry Henry recently highlighted that if Arsenal are in contention for the Premier League title, then it may be tough for them to also compete in the late stages of the Champions League.

If the draw is kind to Arsenal and they get past Porto, they could find themselves in a semi-final out of nowhere, given that there has been little talk of going far in the competition after returning to it this season.

Arsenal are set to welcome back several injured players in the coming weeks including Thomas Partey, and if they rotate well and continue their excellent form, they could find themselves in strong contention.

Manchester City are favourites in both competitions, but Arsenal did beat them at the Emirates earlier this season, and should Arsenal draw them in the Champions League, an upset cannot be ruled out.