* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
With the draw for the 2021/22 Champions League on the horizon Paddy’s crack team of trusty traders have been busy pricing up the runners and riders. From humble farmers to princely petrodollars, there’s plenty of contenders. But where’s the smart money going?
Paris St-Germain shocked the world this summer, signing Lionel Messi as the ongoing shambles at Barcelona meant he became a free agent. Chelsea have strengthened with the impressive acquisition of Romelu Lukaku. Liverpool are likely to be back to their best with the return of Virgil van Dijk while Bayern Munich always go close. With billions invested and the hopes of millions on the line, who’s Paddy’s favourite?
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PSG
French giants PSG have given up signing horny-handed agricultural workers and decided instead to build possibly the best-attacking line in the history of the game with Messi joining Neymar and Kylian Mbappe in Paris. Perhaps the Spurs hangover for manager Mauricio Pochettino is the only thing that can hold them back. Oh, and the defence. And midfield.
Manchester City
Last season’s defeated finalists Manchester City are another oil-powered club targeting the ultimate prize. They’re probably actually weaker than last season with Sergio Aguero leaving. Harry Kane looks to be staying put, but it will be fascinating to see what Jack Grealish and his cultured hair can do in continental competition.
Bayern Munich
Feels like Bayern might be a little short here. The German powerhouse looks to have gone slightly backwards and star striker Robert Lewandowski is rumoured to want to try something a little more tasking than winning Bayern’s 10th consecutive Bundesliga crown.
Liverpool
Six times champions of Europe Liverpool will be hoping to bounce back in 2021/22 after an injury-ravaged campaign last term. They’ve strengthened the defence and will relish the return of fans for those famous European nights at Anfield. A decent bet for their 7th crown if PSG bottle it again.
Chelsea
The defending champions Chelsea are undeniably stronger this season under the continued astute management of mad-scientist-turned-football-manager Thomas Tuchel. Romelu Lukaku is a huge upgrade on Timo Werner and with their rock-solid defence, they’ll surely go close again.
Manchester United
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s fun time Manchester United retro summer camp rolls on with a couple of shrewd signings in the shape of Jadon Sancho and serial winner Raphael Varane. They seem to find a way to spend more time in the Europa League than the Champions League and, let’s be honest, they need a proper manager. But still, do you remember Barcelona 1999?
Real Madrid
La Liga basket case Real Madrid are this competition’s most successful club but their creaking squad looks way off the standard set by the teams at the top of the market. Expect serious raised eyebrows from Carlo Ancelotti if this lot go close.
Atletico Madrid
Spanish champions Atletico Madrid have flirted with glory in the Champions League but they have taken advantage of the omnishambles at Real and Barcelona to win last season’s domestic title. If Champions Leagues were given out on touchline fireworks they’d win it every year. Alas, it isn’t.
Juventus
Poor old Cristiano Ronaldo. The chiselled Portuguese seems to be unhappy at Juventus as it turns out they’re not actually as good as they were before he joined. It seems like they’re trying to offload him. Might as well just go to PSG with everyone else, mate.
Barcelona
Can you believe Barcelona are as big as this? It seems unthinkable but when you consider everything it’s about right. Their finances are a disaster, they can’t register their signings and their greatest-ever player has left to join their European rivals for nothing. You almost feel bad for them. Almost.
* All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change.
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