Opta have revealed that Manchester City are leading the race to win the UEFA Champions League this season, as their generated prediction picks Pep Guardiola’s side to retain the European trophy.
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Opta Predictor Champions League Winner Predictions
Manchester City
It may come as no surprise that the current holders are Opta’s favourites to win the Champions League, with the statistic organisation giving a 32.4% chance.
Manchester City clinched their first European trophy in history last season, beating RB Leipzig, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid in the various knockout stages. To then seal the deal in the UCL final against Inter Milan, winning 1-0 thanks to a trademark finish by Rodri.
This season has followed a similar path, as Pep Guardiola’s side begin their defence in flawless fashion – winning their opening three matches.
The Cityzen’s sit top of Group G and are the joint-highest scorers in the competition so far (9) alongside Bayern Munich.
CHAMPIONS OF EUROPE!!! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/n8dXDvOZyp
— Manchester City (@ManCity) June 10, 2023
Real Madrid
Los Blancos are Opta’s second pick to win the Champions League this season at 13.1% likely, as the Champions League is a competition that is ingrained in the clubs’ history – winning it a record 14-times.
As previously mentioned, Carlo Ancelotti’s side were knocked out of the competition in the semi-finals last season by Manchester City.
However, similarly to City, Real Madrid have made a flawless start to their campaign, winning every game so far and conceding just three goals in as many matches.
Summer signing, Jude Bellingham, has hit the ground running in the Spanish capital and has scored 13 goals in 14 matches (all competitions), with three coming in his three Champions League appearances.
Many believe the England international can lead Real Madrid to glory in both La Liga and Europe, but knocking Manchester City out will be a tough task.
Jude Bellingham has already scored more league goals than Zinedine Zidane ever did in a single season for Real Madrid 🤯
He only joined this summer 👏 pic.twitter.com/TjkeAoU26w
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) October 29, 2023
Bayern Munich
The Bundesliga side also boast a seamless European record this season, beating Manchester United, FC Copenhagen and Galtasaray in their opening three fixtures.
Another Englishman is causing quite a stir too, as Harry Kane has already established himself in Germany after contributing to 29 goals in 13 matches (Bundesliga & Champions League).
The German side also sit top of their league table, which a title they have won for the last 11 consecutive seasons and Opta have them just behind Real Madrid at 12.9%.
Bayern last won the UEFA Champions League in 2020 during the ‘COVID-19 season’ after beating Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
Harry Kane’s record in competitive football for Bayern Munich and England so far this season:
🏟️ 16 games
⚽ 21 goals
🅰️ 8 assists
🔢 1.8 g/a per 90 minsExtraordinary. 😲 pic.twitter.com/0kkr5ASJHC
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 7, 2023
Arsenal
Last on Opta’s top four predictions for the Champions League trophy may come as a surprise, as it has been bestowed on Arsenal.
The Gunners entered Europe’s elite competition for the first time in around seven seasons, after finishing second in the Premier League last season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have made a strong start to the campaign, winning two of their opening three group stage matches, but did suffer a shock defeat to Lens in Gameweek 2.
At just 7.5%, Opta have given them a low likelihood of winning the competition, however, after a clear improvement under Arteta, the Gunners could be on their way to European glory.
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