Steve McManaman believes England’s ‘big two’ remain the teams to beat in this season’s Champions League, as he backed Liverpool and Manchester City to comfortably overcome their last-16 opponents.
Liverpool will take on dangerous German opponents RB Leipzig. They sealed their place in the knock-out phase by ending Manchester United’s interest in the competition last week.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea will take on Atletico Madrid, who knocked Liverpool out of the Champions League last season.
Manchester City appear to have been handed the best draw of all the English clubs as they take on Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach. Meanwhile, the clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona is another eye-catching showdown to look forward to in 2021. You can see the full draw right here.
Bayern Munich, however, have been installed as favorites to retain the trophy.
However, former Liverpool winger McManaman believes England’s ‘big two’ are the teams to beat in this season’s competition.
“For me, the English clubs are favourites to win the Champions League this season,” two-time winner McManaman said.
“Bayern Munich are in the mix and they are a very good team. But Liverpool and Manchester City are strong contenders.
“You look at Barcelona and Real Madrid and they have massive problems at the moment.
“Then the Italian teams are not quite strong enough. So Liverpool and City have a real chance to go close in the Champions League.
“A little bit of luck is required at crucial moments in the latter stages of the competition. Liverpool didn’t quite get that against Atletico Madrid last season.
“I’d expect them to be right there at the back end of the Champions League this season. And if Liverpool can have most of their top players fit and available by then, they have a real chance. They are clearly one of the top sides in Europe.”
READ MORE: Tributes flood in as Gerard Houllier dies, aged 73
Despite winning the 2019 Champions League and ending their 30-year wait for a domestic title last season, McManaman does not believe this current Liverpool team can be hailed as of the club’s greatest just yet.
Cumulative success is the only way for a team to prove their greatness. As such, McManaman suggests Liverpool have a chance to continue their dominance in the New Year.
“When you are playing for the big clubs, your remit is to win the Premier League or the Champions League,” he added.
“Liverpool have done that over the last couple of years. But the biggest clubs and the best teams kick on from success like that and do it again and again.
“Can Liverpool retain the title in England this year? Yes they can. Can they also win the Champions League and do the double? It’s possible, but we all know it’s so difficult to do that.”
Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…
Liverpool injuries may hit hard
McManaman insists Liverpool’s fate could depend on their ability to avoid more injuries.
“A lot of what happens next to Liverpool depends on whether they get any more injuries,” he said.
“However well they have done to plug the holes that have been exposed in their team this season, they can’t take on board too many more injuries.
“To have lost some key players and because they are that good, they have managed to find a way to win matches. That’s even without Alisson, Van Dijk, Henderson, Thiago, Sadio Mane and Mo Salah on different occasions.
“Can they keep winning matches if they are without some of those players and a few more injuries are added on top? Possibly not because there is a point where a cumulation of injuries is too much for any team.
“There is no doubt that Liverpool are there to be shot at this year. They are not winning games every week and they have shown some signs of vulnerability, which we didn’t see last season.”
READ MORE: Klopp provides welcome Joel Matip injury update ahead of Tottenham clash
BT Sport Monthly Pass lets customers watch all UEFA Champions League fixtures for the next 30 days for a simple fee of £25 with no contract. For more info visit bt.com/monthlypass
The post McManaman runs rule over Liverpool CL chances after last-16 draw appeared first on teamtalk.com.
