Stan Collymore makes Liverpool Champions League prediction and blunt Mikel Arteta sack claim

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Mikel Arteta faces the media ahead of Arsenal's opening Champions League clash with Athletic Club(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The Champions League returns tonight as 36 teams take their first steps on the road to the Puskas Arena in Budapest.

Liverpool will be desperate to go further than they did last season.

While the Reds' 2024-25 campaign ended in Premier League glory, their hopes of winning a seventh European Cup were dashed in the round-of-16 stage by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, who triumphed on a penalty shoot-out at Anfield after a terrific tie ended 1-1 over two blockbusting legs.

PSG went on to beat Arsenal in the semi-finals to heap the pressure on Mikel Arteta, who by that stage had already saw Liverpool wrap up their record-equalling 20th top-flight domestic crown.

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Former Everton midfielder Arteta is now in his sixth full season as Gunners boss and, despite shelling out huge amounts in the transfer market, only has one major trophy to show for it, which came in his debut campaign in charge when his side won the FA Cup back in 2020.

The Spaniard needs to deliver silverware but, ahead of Arsenal's opening match at Athletic Club this evening, Stan Collymore doesn't believe that will come in the Champions League.

He said: "Arsenal should comfortably beat most teams in the league phase, but against the big sides, I think Arsenal can now set up and play counter attacking and be nice and compact in their own half.

"Then they can hit you on the break and do real damage, just as Paris Saint-Germain did last year.

I'm looking forward to that from Arsenal.

"But I still don't think they have the belief that for example Liverpool does, and that's why I think I'd go in ranking order, who would be my bet to win the Champions League from England, it would be Liverpool.

"Then a little gap with Arsenal, and then a bigger gap to Manchester City."

The Reds also face Spanish opposition in their opening Champions League game when they host Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

Even if Arne Slot was unable to build on his incredible achievement of leading his team to Premier League success in his first season in charge, the Dutchman would not be under pressure.

But that would not be the case with Arteta, reckons Collymore.

But really, he’s got to get his hands on the Premier League or the Champions League this season.

WELCOME to the second edition of Blood Red – your new monthly publication from the ECHO covering everything you need to know about what’s happening at Liverpool FC.

This month, our focus is on Europe as Liverpool's Champions League campaign kicks off with the Reds looking to bring home European Cup number 7.

As well as a pull-out fixtures guide to the group phase, we profile every other club in the competition.

Our writers cover Arne Slot’s side all season long, home, away and abroad, seven days a week, and this special second edition of Blood Red is full of their in-depth features, analysis and comment.

There's also an interview with Voice of Anfield George Sephton who looks back at his time at the club, we review the big tactical talking points of the season's opening games, and we preview the next month of action as the Champions combine their bid to defend their Premier League crown with the start of their mission for Champions League glory.

Available to buy HERE

"With the amount of investment they’ve put into the squad, there’s no other option.

Arguably Oliver Glasner has had a bigger impact at Crystal Palace and won the Charity Shield against Manchester City, and the FA Cup last season too.

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"To be blunt, if Mikel Arteta doesn't win the Premier League or the Champions League then, I think that Arsenal may look elsewhere because it's been half a decade now.