Our top five picks to win the Champions League this season.
A look at the top five most likely teams to win the Champions League this season, with Barcelona looking to become the first team to retain the trophy and Manchester City hoping for an upset…
5) Paris Saint-Germain
It has to happen eventually, doesn’t it? Paris Saint-Germain may not quite be there yet and arguably need a top class manager, but with big names like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Edinson Cavani and new signing Angel Di Maria, it would be unwise to rule out the big-spending French giants as a force in this season’s competition.
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4) Manchester City
Superb in the Premier League so far, Manchester City have made great signings in Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Nicolas Otamendi. Again, question marks remain over Manuel Pellegrini as an elite manager, but the Chilean looks to be building an exciting side that should finally find its feet on the European stage. With many of their rivals looking weaker than usual, City could take advantage and go on a good run.
3) Bayern Munich
Not too impressive in this competition since winning it back in 2013, Bayern Munich urgently need to lift the trophy again this term if Pep Guardiola is to be considered a success at the club. Having made some potentially huge signings in Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa, the Bavarian giants are perhaps in better shape than last year, but need to step it up when they meet the bigger teams.
2) Real Madrid
Unpredictable, Real Madrid have largely disappointed in this competition in recent times, but always have the players capable of winning the thing, as they did in 2014. Rafael Benitez has of course won the trophy before and is good in the cup competitions, so Real must be second favourite as it stands.
1) Barcelona
It’s always hard to look past last season’s champions, but Barcelona are clearly the best team in Europe and will take some beating. Lionel Messi is as brilliant as ever, while Neymar and Luis Suarez should be even better than last year – a frightening thought! It is rare for teams to retain the trophy, but if anyone can do it it’s this Barca side.