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Rio Ferdinand has made a daring call ahead of the UEFA Champions League final, tipping Arsenal to defeat Paris Saint-Germain at the Puskas Arena. Although he acknowledged that the French champions possess greater technical ability, the former Manchester United stalwart believes Mikel Arteta has a key tactical edge that will make the difference.

Ferdinand backs Arsenal to taste European success

Arsenal are on the verge of creating history as they gear up for a high-stakes Champions League final against PSG. Following Bukayo Saka’s stunning display against Atletico Madrid that secured their berth in the final, the north London club now has the opportunity to complete an extraordinary Premier League and Champions League double.

Speaking on his ‘Ferdinand Presents’ YouTube channel, the former England international expressed his strong faith in the Gunners’ chances. “I said Arsenal would win the league this year, and I think Arsenal will win the league,” Ferdinand stated. “And now I believe that Arsenal are going to win the Champions League, guys.”

PSG possess superior quality, says former defender

Despite his prediction, Ferdinand admitted that Luis Enrique’s PSG side have greater individual quality and tactical flexibility. The reigning Ligue 1 champions have been the most prolific team in the tournament, scoring 44 goals en route to the Budapest final, while Arsenal have netted 29.

Ferdinand lauded PSG’s overall style and structure, remarking, “PSG are the better team, 100 per cent. Right now, they have the team, they’re the better footballing side, with the best style of play, and they’re the most entertaining team to watch on the planet. Their manager is the best in the world at this moment.”

Set-pieces could be the turning point

According to Ferdinand, Arsenal’s physical prowess and set-piece excellence could be the decisive factor. He believes PSG’s vulnerability in defending dead-ball situations could prove costly against Arteta’s well-drilled unit.

“But they look uncomfortable when defending set-pieces,” Ferdinand observed. “Even Bayern Munich, who aren’t particularly strong at set-pieces, made them look uneasy, and I’ve seen that on multiple occasions this season. Arsenal are the best team in the Premier League when it comes to set-pieces, and if they get corners or free-kicks, they will cause total chaos against that smaller PSG team.”

He further added, “Physically, PSG cannot match Arsenal at set-pieces, and if Arsenal get any kind of possession or free-kicks around the penalty area—or even from the halfway line—they will create serious problems.”

Gary Neville’s contrasting opinion

While Ferdinand is optimistic, his former Manchester United teammate Gary Neville remains doubtful. Neville agreed that a double triumph would elevate Arteta’s team into “a different stratosphere,” but he feels PSG’s experience and maturity make them the favourites.

Speaking on his Sky Sports podcast, Neville commented, “PSG are better than them, there’s no denying that. PSG are a stronger team than Arsenal right now, and they’ve shown that over the past two seasons. It feels like PSG’s time to win it back-to-back and for Luis Enrique to join the ranks of the legendary managers who have achieved such feats.”