"Their luck runs out" - David James makes bold prediction for UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Real Madrid
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James has tipped the Reds to come out on top against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final in Paris on Saturday, May 28. James made over 200 appearances for the Merseyside giants between 1992 and 1999. He also turned out for a handful of other clubs across the English top-flight and also amassed 52 senior caps for the England national team.
When asked by Sportskeeda to predict the outcome of the final, James explained why Liverpool could emerge victorious against Real Madrid. Notably, Los Blancos were recently crowned La Liga champions for the 35th time in their history.
days to go... #UCL
5️⃣ days to go... #UCL https://t.co/h3nZt0JkBc
"I think if someone offered Liverpool Football Club two domestic trophies, second-place by one point in the league and a UEFA Champions League final, irrespective of the results, then you'd put that down as a pretty good season so Liverpool have to go in there positively.
"Jurgen has been changing his side regularly for games to the point that when they played Tottenham, they put out perceivably their strongest team and it didn't work. Once you put your strongest team out, if it doesn't work, it's very difficult to change it.
"I think Liverpool will win it because they've got the resilience in recent games, they've had the cup finals. Granted, they went 0-0 to penalties but they've got that belief in them.
"I think Real Madrid have been a bit fortuitous in the Champions League this season. They've shown excellence, of course, to overcome very stubborn oppositions in PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City, but I suppose everyone has their moment where their luck runs out. So I'm going to go with form and fancy Liverpool. With 3 defeats this season, I think they will edge the final. Whatever happens, I think it'll be an epic final!"
Liverpool and Real Madrid have enjoyed successful seasons so far
Real Madrid reclaimed the La Liga title this season comfortably by a margin of 13 points. Liverpool, meanwhile, narrowly missed out on the Premier League crown as Manchester City won it by one point on the last day of the season. However, the Reds have won two domestic trophies - the Carabao Cup and FA Cup - this season, beating Chelsea on penalties on both occasions.
Getting ready for the Final! ✅ Getting ready for the Final!
#UCL https://t.co/VU4HfOeTqA
Premier League glory may have eluded Klopp and Co, but can they get their hands on the European Cup for the seventh time in their history? Or will Real Madrid pip the Reds to win it for a staggering 14th time? Only time will tell.
Watch UEFA Champions League 2021-22 Final - Liverpool vs. Real Madrid LIVE on SONY TEN 2 (English), SONY TEN 3 (Hindi) & SONY TEN 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels on 29th May 2022, at 12:30 am IST