Who is the favourite to win the Champions League?
By James Fudge
The Champions League kicks off tomorrow with Manchester City travelling to Sevilla for matchday one in a packed schedule.
Games will come thick and fast for the English champions with Borussia Dortmund and Copenhagen coming up next in a group which they are anticipated to win.
But who is the favourite for the outright winner of the 2023 Champions League?
It may comes as surprise or not but start the drum roll…….
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Manchester City is the favourites to win the Champions League for the first time as they look to go one better than their previous semi-final and final appearances.
The starting eleven is arguably the best in the competition, although their depth and any injuries may prove to be a concern. The addition of Erling Haaland and his Premier League form has advanced the English club into an odds-on favourite for the tournament; the Pep Guardiola factor is also likely to have played a part.
The price of 5/2 with most UK bookmakers (+275 odds with Draftkings) seems a good price for all betting enthusiasts out there.
City’s relationship with the competition in recent years has grown with more fans desiring the Champions League following a period of domestic domination. The next step in City’s evolution will go a long way in proving them to be the best footballing team in the last decade.
The usual teams are featured to lift Ol’ Big Ears in Istanbul come 10 June.
Paris Saint Germain are the next favourites at 5/1 (+400) as they added much-needed balance to their squad, but the relationship of Messi, Neymar and Mbappe will depend on their success.
Liverpool and Bayern Munich follow at 6/1 (+600) and 13/2 (+650), while the current holders, Real Madrid, come in at 9/1 (+850) despite their European pedigree and dominance in the competition.
Another favourite involving Manchester City and, probably explains a lot in why City are favourites, is the Champions League top goalscorer. Erling Haaland is priced at odds ranging from 3/1 to 11/4, with Kylian Mbappe and Robert Lewandowski not too far behind.
They will certainly need him firing should they come good for their odds to win the Champions League for their first time.