English pundit Paul Merson has named his five favourites to win the Champions League in the coming season.

Barcelona played Europa League football last season, but the Blaugrana have strengthened very well for the showpiece this season.

English pundit Paul Merson has named his top 5 to win the Champions League, and placed Barcelona at number 4.

Paul Merson believes that the arrival of Robert Lewandowski has made Barcelona among the favourites.

He told Sportskeeda: “Robert Lewandowski’s arrival at the Camp Nou has been the biggest talking point of Barcelona’s summer, but they’ve essentially revamped their squad with the signings of Andreas Christensen, Franck Kessie and Raphinha, while Ousmane Dembele’s contract extension could also be seen as a massive coup for the Catalans.

“One minute I hear about their debts, but the next thing I know, they snap up Lewandowski for big money!

“It’s extraordinary, isn’t it? Something’s happening at Barcelona, do you know what I mean? People say they don’t have any money, but they keep on buying players – it’s beyond me!

“Lewandowski is a goalscoring machine and will undoubtedly continue to bang them in at his new club, but if I were to choose between the Pole and Benzema to lead the line for my team, I’d pick the Real Madrid striker. Benzema gives a lot more without the ball, so he contributes more to the team when he isn’t scoring.

“Don’t get me wrong, Lewandowski is a machine, but I don’t believe he brings much else when he goes through a bit of a dry run in front of goal.

“Raphinha, on the other hand, is also a decent player despite having no pedigree in the UEFA Champions League.

“I give Barcelona a chance because of the signings they’ve made, it might be a case of them learning to run before they walk if they get their hands on the UEFA Champions League before the La Liga title!”

Paul Merson placed Bayern Munich at number 5, Chelsea at number 3, Liverpool at number 2 and Manchester City at number 1.