Charlie Nicholas has predicted Liverpool to defeat Real Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday in Kiev.
The Sky Sports pundit stated that he thought the Reds would feel their way into the game, with Jordan Henderson and James Milner being able to stifle Madrid’s midfield.
Nicholas claimed that the two English midfielders would be able to use their energy and drive to get the better of their opponents.
“I don’t think the experience will count against Liverpool massively. I can see them sitting in initially, feeling their way into the game,” wrote Nicholas for Sky Sports.
“I can see the energy and drive of James Milner and Jordan Henderson really stifling Real Madrid’s midfield, just like Bayern, although they failed to take their chances.
“If Lucas Vazquez does have to fill in at right-back again, like he did in Dani Carvajal’s absence against Bayern, then he’ll be all over the park again and Real will be very exposed.”
OPINION
Nicholas has highlighted two Reds players that at times fly under the radar with their performances. Milner and Henderson are both capable of leading their side to glory on Saturday in order to lift the prestigious Champions League trophy. Milner may even be capable of adding even more assists to his already impressive tally in the tournament. The 32-year-old has racked up an impressive eight assists in the 10 appearances he has made in the tournament so far, but he’d trade them all to ensure his side won on Saturday. While Nicholas is clearly confident about a Reds win as he picks no fault in Jurgen Klopp’s side, it’s interesting that he thinks Madrid are capable of ending up being all over the park. While that was the case like the pundit explained against Bayern Munich, Madrid clearly would have learnt from their lesson. It will be an interesting Champions League final this season as neither team can be confident, no matter what they say, of being the clear favourite of lifting the trophy.
