Paul Merson expects Liverpool to have a “harder game” versus Chelsea in the FA Cup final than against Real Madrid in Paris later this month.
The Reds have failed to beat Thomas Tuchel’s side in three attempts this season, with the Carabao Cup triumph being secured in a penalty shootout and, while Merson feels they will be the better team in the Champions League final, he can’t say that will be the case at Wembley:
“Liverpool will beat Real Madrid. They won’t mess about. They will have too much for them in the Champions League Final. Chelsea in the FA Cup Final is the harder game for them in my opinion. The last three times they’ve played each other the game’s ended in a draw. And let’s face it, Chelsea should have won the Carabao Cup Final. They were the better team. But both those finals are winnable.”
It’s an interesting take from Merson. As some have pointed out, it’s probably wise not to take Real too lightly considering they have beaten Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City in Europe this camoaignn, but they were distinctly second best for large spells in those knockout games. If Liverpool play at their best, they should have enough to secure their 7th European Cup.
With the FA Cup, much will depend on what sort of form Chelsea are in. If they do manage to get close to their Carabao Cup final performance, it will be a very tough match.
