With a new UEFA Champions League campaign getting underway in recent weeks it is possible to not look into the future and predict who could win the competition this season. Last season, Real Madrid won their 14th title and there has not been a team experiencing their maiden success in the Champions League since Chelsea’s triumph in Munich of the 2011/12 season. But this season some of the strongest teams are ones that have never lifted the famous trophy.
Manchester City looks red hot beginning their European campaign in impeccable fashion as well as Pep Guardiola’s free-scoring side starting well in the Premier League.
City is the out-and-out favorite for the competition as they have been for many years in a row, offered at a price of +2000 in the Paddy Power Champions League odds. Maybe now could be their time after they have improved their squad significantly via new signings and finally added a natural centre-forward for Kevin de Bruyne and co to provide for.
Victory in the #UCL 💫#ManCity pic.twitter.com/6IkPXjrSI5
— Manchester City (@ManCity) September 15, 2022
City’s downfall in previous editions of the competition has been their inability to hold onto leads; Guardiola’s side is often vulnerable to counterattacks as they play incredibly high up the pitch leaving space behind.
Regardless of that issue, however, City is scoring at such an impressive rate that they may opt to simply outscore opponents. Paris Saint-Germain is another club to have never experienced success in the competition but this year they look incredibly strong.
Boosted in the transfer market by the guidance of Luis Campos they have made intelligent business; Renato Sanches joined from Lille, with Spanish duo Carlos Soler and Fabian Ruiz being vital additions in terms of depth.
Boasting a superstar attacking trio including Lionel Messi and Neymar, PSG’s starting eleven is as strong as they come but their substitute bench in recent years has been filled with misfits whose moves to the French capital did not go to plan.
🇧🇷 Majestic Neymar!@neymarjr || @PSG_English || #UCL pic.twitter.com/fbGEqcUy3p
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 12, 2022
PSG have lost a hugely influential player in the form of Angel Di Maria who left to join Juventus on a free but the Parisian club has certainly improved overall now having plenty of players available off the bench who are at the peaks of their careers.
Sergio Ramos is now also fully fit and will be an excellent option in the defence not only due to his ability but also as a result of his leadership qualities. PSG has capitulated in ties that seemed over in the past and Ramos can bring composure to the pitch that could help prevent this.
Ramos won everything there is to win at Real Madrid and players with a winning mentality are a necessity if the Parisians are to finally get over the hurdle and win their first-ever Champions League title. With teams like last year’s finalists Liverpool and Real Madrid not being at their best so far this season, it could present a perfect opportunity for the Paris club or City to finally achieve football’s greatest prize.
COMMENTS
Only a matter of time before PSG or City lift the Big one. Funny thing is, both clubs are backed by middle east states, both spend huge amounts on new players, yet one gets praise while the other is criticised constantly. Strange.