David Beckham disagrees with Jamie Carragher Champions League prediction and Liverpool claim

David Beckham, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards have predicted which team will win the Champions League this season. Paris Saint-Germain triumphed over Inter Milan in the final at the Allianz Arena last campaign, securing the trophy for the first time in their illustrious history.

The French powerhouses endured a turbulent beginning to their European journey, losing to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City during the group phase. Luis Enrique's side managed to secure their passage to the knockout rounds through a two-legged play-off encounter with Stade Brestois.

PSG found their rhythm as the tournament unfolded, building momentum with each passing round. The Parisians overcame Liverpool on spot-kicks in the round of 16 before battling past Aston Villa in the quarter-final stage.

Following a commanding victory over Arsenal in the semi-finals, PSG demolished Inter with a five-goal haul, recording the most emphatic triumph in a Champions League final. This season, Mikel Arteta, Enzo Maresca and Thomas Frank will be eager to snatch Enrique's crown.

Speaking on CBS Sports on Monday night, Carragher, Richards and Beckham offered their thoughts on the upcoming tournament. Kate Scott challenged each pundit to make three predictions: the eventual winners, top goalscorer and dark horse of the competition.

The former Liverpool defender kicked things off by backing Barcelona as his favourites. Carragher said: "I'm going to go for Barcelona. I was really impressed with them last season, and I think they'll go close again."

He added: "Top scorer, I'll go with [Alexander] Isak for Liverpool. I think Liverpool will go close. That would be a great final: Barcelona versus Liverpool. And surprise, the six English teams in the Champions League: I don't think anyone had ever had six teams in the Champions League before.

"I do think the Premier League is the best league in Europe right now. But I think some of them will find it tough. I'll be surprised if more than three qualify for the knockout stage."

Richards also predicted the Spanish champions to win the Champions League, while backing Kylian Mbappe to secure the golden boot. The ex-Manchester City defender said: "I also had Barcelona, so I'll keep it punchy.

"I think he explained it well. Kylian Mbappe has started the season well. Top scorer. And, I think Kylian Mbappe is going to win the Ballon d'Or. That is a surprise."

Carragher didn't seem too impressed with Richards' dark horse prediction. He asked: "Why is that a surprise?"

To which Richards replied: "Well, because everyone is writing him off!"

Carragher asked: "Why is the best player in the world winning the Ballon d'Or a surprise?"

Richards argued that Mbappe has been unfairly sidelined in Ballon d'Or discussions, highlighting three standout Champions League performers from last term as the leading contenders. He said: "You said Isak will be the top scorer, so why not Mbappe then?"

"Everyone's talking about Lamine [Yamal] the dream now, aren't they? Everyone's talking about [Ousmane] Dembele. Everyone's talking about Raphinha. Everyone's put to the side, Mbappe, so it's a surprise. Ballon d'Or."

Carragher dismissed Richards' logic as 'absolute nonsense' before seeking Beckham's opinion. The Manchester United legend tipped Real Madrid to claim a record 16th European crown.

"I think PSG will go close again this year, but I'm going to go with Real Madrid," said Beckham. "I love Lamine. I think the hype about him is real, and I think he's a hell of a talent, but I'm going to go the same as you, Kylian.

"I think Kylian, last season, he scored the goals that he scored. Of course, as a Real Madrid player, if you don't win much, then it's a bad season. Kylian had a great season. I really believe that this season is going to be his season in La Liga and the Champions League."

Beckham concluded: "My surprise would have to be people are already writing Newcastle off. I think Newcastle are a good team, and I think they've got some good players.

"They're very together as a team, and as fans, and as a club. I think that they could surprise a few people."

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