Charlie Nicholas predicted the second leg of Liverpool and AS Roma’s Champions League semi-final to end as a 1-1 draw.
The Sky Sports pundit revealed that he thought the Reds were stronger than Barcelona and that Jurgen Klopp’s side would not fear the Italian giants’ hard-hitting tactics on Wednesday.
“I covered both of Roma’s legs against Barcelona on Soccer Special and it was similar in terms of them being a defensive wreck in the first leg, but they got away with kicking lumps out of Lionel Messi in the second, with the referee being a joke,” said Nicholas in his predictions for Sky Sports.
“They smelt Barca’s fear and they’ll do the same if Liverpool give off that feeling and the referee allows it again, but I think Liverpool are stronger than Barca.”
The Reds go into the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with a three goal lead over Roma, after securing an emphatic 5-2 win at Anfield in the first leg last Tuesday.
Nicholas continued explaining his prediction for Wednesday’s clash and highlighted an attacking player from either side to keep an eye on.
“I was surprised Klopp played Roberto Firmino at the weekend as his work brings it all together, but I do still fancy them to score at some point,” stated the Sky Sports pundit.
“I am a big fan of Edin Dzeko, who my old club Arsenal should have snapped up when he left Manchester City, and I fancy him to inject some more nerves into the tie, but see Liverpool striking back to kill the tie.”
OPINION
Another pundit backing Liverpool to reach the Champions League final this season and it’s hard to see how Nicholas will be wrong. The Sky Sports pundit may have predicted the Reds to go through on the back of a draw, but that is an impressive result considering Roma’s record at home. The Italian giants have yet to concede a goal at home in the Champions League this season and they shouldn’t be underestimated. Klopp’s side will no doubt feel comfortable after securing a 5-2 win at Anfield, but they have to be wary of Roma due to the two away goals. While the Reds’ front three should be able to score against anyone on their day, given their immense talent, even they might struggle to break down the solid defence of the Serie A club.