Current Champions League Odds, Best Bets: PSG Being Undervalued?
These are the five teams that I would bet on to win this year’s Champions League, considering the betting value and likelihood of them lifting the silverware.
1. PSG (+800)
Surely a team with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar shouldn’t have the fourth highest odds to win the Champions League this year. While they’ve taken time to gel, it is undeniable that the talent on this team is incapable of making a run. After defeating Real Madrid in the first leg of their Round of 16 clash, thanks to a magnificent Kylian Mbappe goal, they are in an excellent position to qualify for the quarters.
While they have the fourth-highest odds right now, PSG will be a a team to watch when it comes to winning the Champions League crown.Portuguese youngster Nuno Mendes has made the left-back position his own, rounding out a stellar defense of Presnel Kimpempe, Marquinhos, and Achraf Hakimi. Both PSG and current manager Mauricio Pochettino (with Tottenham) have lost two of the last three UCL Final’s, so everyone on this squad has an opportunity for revenge.
2. Man City (+250)
City are the favorites to win the UCL trophy this year, and deservedly so. Pep Guardiola has been wildly successful at City, winning three out of the last four English Premier League titles, and is well on his way to winning another this year. The one trophy they haven’t been able to win is the UCL, and they will have last year’s loss to Chelsea drilled into the back of their heads.
They have the best depth in the world and will be able to put the majority of their focus on winning the Champions League this year while being able to ease up slightly in the Premier League. Guardiola has been able to conduct City like an orchestra this season, and with Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling back at the top of their game, City will be tough to beat.
3. Liverpool (+400)
Liverpool, the 2018/19 Champions League winners, finally have everyone fit and are arguably the strongest they have ever been. Mohammed Salah has possibly been the best player in the world this season, and Virgil Van Dijk is back to his best after his horrific injury.
Liverpool strengthened their squad this past January transfer window with the signing of Colombian winger Luis Diaz and have Harvey Elliot returning from injury. Midfielders Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita are playing the best we have ever seen them play in red. All this being said, Liverpool is a serious contender to win their seventh UCL in club history.
4. Chelsea (+900)
Chelsea are the third English team in this top five and last year’s UCL winner’s. Thomas Tuchel’s side has experienced a slight drop in performance since last season and are currently third in the Premier League. Losing English fullbacks Ben Chilwell and Reece James have hurt Chelsea this year; however, their squad is still incredibly strong.
Cesar Azpilicueta can occupy James’ right wing-back role with no problem, allowing Chelsea to play three of their strongest center backs, Thiago Silva, Antonio Rudiger, and Andreas Christensen. The left side is more of a concern, as Marcos Alonso has struggled in the position this year; however, Callum Hudson-Odoi could succeed in this wing-back role for the Blues.
Last year’s winners can’t be ignored; however, the task may be a little trickier for them this year.
5. Bayern Munich (+450)
UCL winners in 2019-20, Bayern Munich, are always a formidable force on Europe’s biggest club stage. They were knocked out last year by PSG; however, they didn’t have Robert Lewandowski. They looked shaky in the first leg against Red Bull Salzburg today, but I’m sure they will rebound when they return home for the second leg at Allianz Arena.
At full strength, Bayern are a top five team globally and have the experience to win their third UCL trophy in a decade. A core of Lewandowski, Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, and Joshua Kimmich has remained the same in recent years, and few teams know how to play together better than them.