John Barnes believes the Champions League will not prove a distraction for either Arsenal or Manchester City in the Premier League title race.
While Liverpool are staring at a Europa League exit after a first-leg drubbing by Atalanta, both Arsenal and City have a good chance of reaching the semi-finals of Europe’s premier club competition.
There are just two points separating the three teams at the top of the Premier League and, speaking to Genting Casino , Barnes does not think their obligations in Europe will change how the domestic tournament goes.
He said: “The Champions League will have no bearing on what happens in the Premier League title race.
“It didn’t affect things last year when Manchester City won their treble, and I don’t expect it to have an impact this year, even if Arsenal and Manchester City were to play each other in the semi-finals.
“Manchester City are very comfortable juggling three competitions simultaneously. Would it have an effect on Arsenal? Possibly, given that they have never won the Champions League before, but I don’t think so.
“All the best teams want to be in as many competitions as possible, competing. Results in the Champions League breed confidence.”
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