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David Beckham, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards have offered their predictions for which team will triumph in the Champions League this season as Liverpool kicks off its campaign this week.
Paris Saint-Germain dominated Inter Milan in last term's final at the Allianz Arena, claiming the trophy for the first time in the club's history. The French side endured a turbulent beginning to their campaign, falling to Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and Manchester City during the group phase.
Luis Enrique's squad managed to secure their passage to the knockout rounds through a two-legged play-off against Stade Brestois. PSG found its rhythm as the tournament unfolded, building momentum with each passing round.
The Parisians overcame Liverpool on penalties in the last 16 before edging past Aston Villa in the quarter-finals. Following a comfortable victory over Arsenal in the semi-finals, PSG netted five against Inter, recording the largest margin of victory in Champions League final history.
This season, Arne Slot will be eager to right those wrongs and wrestle the crown away from the French champions. During Monday evening's CBS Sports coverage, Carragher, Richards and Beckham offered their thoughts on the upcoming campaign. Kate Scott requested three forecasts from each pundit: the eventual winner, leading marksman and dark horse.
The former Liverpool center-back opened proceedings by selecting Barcelona as his pick to claim European glory. Carragher explained: "I'm going to go for Barcelona. I was really impressed with them last season, and I think they'll go close again.
"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."
It marks, in fact, the first occasion that any European nation has ever boasted more than five clubs in the Champions League simultaneously.
Carragher went on: "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 tipped the reigning Spanish champions to claim Champions League glory, though he backed Kylian Mbappé to secure the golden boot.
The former 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 wasn't particularly impressed with Richards' 'surprise' prediction. He said: "Why is that a surprise?" Richards replied: "Well, because everyone is writing him off!".
Carragher responded: "Why is the best player in the world winning the Ballon d'Or a surprise?" Richards argued that Mbappe has been unfairly sidelined in the Ballon d'Or discussion, highlighting three standout Champions League performers from last season 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 icon tipped Real Madrid to claim the trophy for a record 16th occasion.
"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 continued: "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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