When it comes to European football, there is no bigger prize than the Champions League and, once again, the continent’s top clubs are competing for the prestigious trophy.
Here, we take a look at five strong contenders worth consideration of backing, who have the talent to go all the way and lift the iconic trophy on May 29 at Istanbul’s Atatürk Olympic Stadium.
Bayern Munich
Starting with a team that has been there and done it, the reigning European champions Bayern Munich will have plenty of backers once again this season. Available at 11/4 in the sports betting with Betfair, the Bavarian giants are the favourites to go all the way again in the competition.
Head coach Hansi Flick managed to land the Champions League title last season, after replacing Nico Kovac at the Allianz Arena. Flick has a host of talented players at his disposal, but star striker Robert Lewandowski will once again be a key figure if Bayern are to go all the way. The Polish striker will also be one for punters to look out for in the competition’s top goalscorer market.
Manchester City
A star-studded team that is yet to taste European glory, Manchester City will be hoping this is the year they finally get their hands on the coveted trophy. Manager Pep Guardiola is widely regarded as one of the best in the business and knows what it takes to win the Champions League, having led former club Barcelona to the title in 2009 and 2011, defeating Manchester United on both occassions.
At 4/1 in the outright market, City are an intriguing price, especially considering they were handed a favourable draw against Borussia Monchengladbach in the last 16 of the tournament. The Citizens did have a wobbly start to their Premier League campaign, but they look to be back on track in recent weeks and building towards the business end of the season. Star player Kevin De Bruyne will be the key man if City are to progress to the latter stages of the competition.
Liverpool
As one of the most successful clubs in European Cup/Champions League history (they have won the trophy six times), it’s no surprise to see Liverpool once again challenging for the crown. A side that stormed away with the Premier League title last season, manager Jurgen Klopp has emerged as one of the most sought after managers in the game.
The Reds, who are 6/1 in the betting, have already won the Champions League under Klopp (2019) and will fancy their chances of progressing past their last 16 opponents RV Leipzig and deep into the knockout stages.
Paris Saint-Germain
Runners-up last season, Paris Saint-Germain, perhaps better known in football circles as PSG, were so close to finally achieving their dream of European glory. They were beaten by an impressive Bayern Munich side in the 2020 final, and since then manager Thomas Tuchel has been moved on.
Mauricio Pochettino is now the man at the helm, and his first task in the Champions League will be getting past Ronald Koeman’s Barcelona in the last 16. A tough proposition, even though Barca don’t appear to be the force they once were. PSG are 11/1 to win the title, and if they can get past the Blaugrana, then expect those odds to come in significantly for this talented squad which stars the likes of Neymar, Marco Verratti and Kylian Mbappé.
Juventus
At 12/1, Juventus could be considered one of the dark horses to finally get their hands on a European Cup, having last lifted the trophy back in the season of 1995/96. Juve are facing a real challenge to defend their Serie A title this term, but that could play into their favour. Juventus have cruised to the Scudetto for so long that perhaps they will be a bit more battle-hardened this term. With Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, Juve can’t be written off and expect the Turin giants to reach at least the semi finals of this year’s competition.
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