The Champions League 2022 – The Top Teams
As the Round of 16 stage approaches for this year’s Champions League, soccer betting fans will be watching as the best teams in Europe fight to knock each other out and be crowned the best club in Europe. But who are the teams with the best chance of taking this year’s crown? Let’s take a look!
CHELSEA
Current title holders, Chelsea, made big news last year after defeating Manchester City in the final and lifting the trophy. But do they stand a chance this year? Well, it’s certainly likely that they will at least make it as far as the quarter-finals, but do they have the quality of last season to take it even further? Well, this depends on who they get in the draw, but to be the best, you have to beat the best.
The squad has had a few issues with Lukaku, but they hold a lot of aces in their hand – a very extensive squad list and a reserve of young and exciting talent. These youngsters could be key. They are also under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel who is doing exceptionally well with the squad. Although they aren’t favourites, they are the defending champions and should never be underestimated – as Man City learned last year.
LIVERPOOL
The Liverpool squad is no stranger to Champions League success. The reds won the cup in 2018-19 and know what it takes to beat the best in Europe. They have made mincemeat of their opponents up until now – and made it out of their group easily, despite it including AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.
With the attacking force of Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, they will be tough opposition. However, the team also boasts a good squad depth and made some smart moves in the January transfer window, signing Luis Diaz who is also in great form. Alongside players such as Van Dijk, Becker, Robertson and Henderson, it’s a solid team.
The team also knows how to play under pressure. Even when going behind, they have the strength of mind to knuckle down and fight back. For that reason, Liverpool can never be counted out.
REAL MADRID
This team is the most successful in Champions League history ever, having won this Holy Grail in club football thirteen times already. But yet they aren’t our top favourites just yet. There are reasons for this. Firstly, unlike Liverpool, Real Madrid had an easy group – with only Inter being a decent opponent. So, they haven’t yet had the opportunity to prove themselves in this competition just yet.
However, they still can’t be counted out. For a start, the team is on goal scoring form. They are obviously coming out of a trophyless season – and they certainly haven’t been living up to their legend recently. However, they have shown glimpses of what they can do – and have demonstrated resilience against Barcelona and Elche.
Another reason they stand a good chance is down to the return of Carlo Ancelotti. He has historically been able to lead his club to glory. They also have an under-rated squad depth and the players look fitter than ever. So, could this be the fourteenth title? Maybe!
MANCHESTER CITY
Manchester City was last year’s favourite but was pipped to the title by fellow Premier League team, Chelsea. The game played out terribly for the Cityzens and yet again, they failed to bag their coveted trophy.
They will be looking for a different result this season – and so far things are going their way. They know what mistakes they made last year and Pep Guardiola will not be looking to repeat them.
The squad has a superb midfield, a deep squad list and a host of young and talented players – plus Pep Guardiola. However, so far in this competition, the only real competition they have faced is Paris Saint-Germain, which they didn’t beat with ease. They have a pretty easy round of 16 as well against Sporting, so will be breezing through the rounds right now. They look almost certain to reach the quarters – unless something crazy happens.
BAYERN MUNICH
The team that seems to have the best chance of holding aloft the trophy right now is Bayern Munich – who will be going through these knockout rounds filled with motivation, especially after Lewandowski lost out on the Ballon d’Or to Messi and he will be looking to prove a point now. Winning the biggest trophy in Europe would certainly be redemption.
The team hasn’t lost a single game in group stages, but again, they haven’t faced any tough teams really. However, they do have the depth in their ranks to be able to face off bigger competition when it comes. They also have an easy round of 16 draw against Salzburg, so the Quarter Finals is theirs for the taking.
ANOTHER UPSET?
The best thing about Champions League betting is that it is always full of upsets and is highly unpredictable. There are some huge European teams looking to add this silverware to the trophy cabinet – and none will go down without a fight.