2017-18 UEFA Champions League Betting Preview
It is the biggest stage for football teams in Europe as Champions League gets underway with group stage engagements from Wednesday morning. With top clubs from across the various leagues in contention for the biggest prize, we look ahead to the favourites and the challengers.
Real Madrid
Two-time defending Champions and with some of the best names in the game, Real Madrid start as hot favourites for the title. Last year saw Madrid become the first side in the history of Champions League to win successive titles and they now look set to win three in a row.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale, Luka Modric, Isco, Marco Asension – the list of talismans for this side is endless. If you haven’t had your fill, then there is Zinedine Zidane in the dugout!
Odds: $5 at Ladbrokes
Prediction: To reach semi-finals
Paris Saint-Germain
The Parisians were the biggest talking point of this summer, thanks to their big moves in the transfer window. After capturing Neymar on a world-record transfer fee from Barcelona, they added Kylian Mbappe to their star roster on a loan deal.
To go with the duo, they have Edinson Cavani, Angel di Maria and Julian Draxler making them one of the scariest attacks in Europe. The challenge, though, is to make sure that they all click at once.
Odds: $7.50 at bet365
Prediction: Winner
Bayern Munich
Another bookies’ favourite and a team that always does well on the continental stage. However, all is not well within the team this year with questions on transfer market moves and the ability to scale up to European challenge hindering their progress.
Carlo Ancelotti will have to summon all his experience – and there is a lot of it – for the Bavarians to be a force. With Robert Lewandowski in his ranks, he may do just fine.
Odds: $8 at Sportsbet
Prediction: Not beyond semi-finals
Barcelona
Eternal pre-tournament favourites but a side in strife. The Catalans have had to undergo a major metamorphosis to be challenging for the Champions League as they look rudderless at the moment.
The presence of Lionel Messi is always a positive factor but off-field factors threaten to blow their campaign away. Tough to see them winning the title but they can spoil one of the favourites and take them out in the knockouts.
Odds: $8 at bet365
Prediction: Last eight
Among others
Manchester City under Pep Guardiola is a force to reckon, especially with the striking force at his disposal. Odds of $12 (bet365) make them distant favourites for the title.
Juventus have a great record of doing well on the continental stage and at odds of $15 (William Hill) for the title, they look set to surprise the bettors and the analysts.
Top goal scorer
The duel will be between Ronaldo and Messi but considering the chances of their teams, Ronaldo may get more games than his Bête noire Messi. Back the Portuguese superstar to be top goal scorer at odds of $5 (bet365)
TIP: Ronaldo top scorer – $5 at bet365
TIP: PSG to win – $7.50 at bet365
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TIPS ARE SIMPLY THE AUTHOR’s OPINION. ALWAYS GAMBLE RESPONSIBLY
