Even though many clubs around Europe are currently in the midst of pre-season, many have been actively involved in competitive fixtures. Qualification for the UEFA Champions League has numerous teams aiming to reach the lucrative group stage, in which English sides are already waiting to discover their opponents.
Following the group stage of the 2020-21 Champions League campaign, three of the four English teams progressed to the Round of 16, while Manchester United surprisingly fell by the wayside. Liverpool made it through to the Quarter-finals before being eliminated by Real Madrid, while Manchester City and Chelsea made it all the way to the final.
In the end, it was Chelsea who lifted the iconic trophy, beating Manchester City by a slender 1-0 margin at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto. The single goal scored by Kai Haverz was enough to elevate the Blues to continental glory, with full details of the match itself available at the official uefa.com website.
Understanding the Early Champions League Odds
Ahead of the 2021-22 campaign, oddsmakers have already begun calculating their predictions and amongst the six leading contenders in their view, all four English clubs are in the mix. Manchester City are currently tipped as the outright favourites, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United all expected to comfortably make it through the group stage.
The strongest continental challenges are predicted to come from Bayern Munich, while Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid find themselves outside the top six leading contenders. Quite the change for the ‘Big Two’ from La Liga, who were the dominant Champions League duo for almost an entire decade.
Back and ready to do it all again! 😎
— Manchester City (@ManCity) July 26, 2021
🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/AtweQa0apS
While there are many bookies to choose from, asiabet.org has produced a comprehensive list of the best sports betting for Indian bettors, especially those who enjoy backing football competitions, accompanied by an extensive guide to online sports betting in 2021. This includes betting strategies and pro betting tips, along with unbiased sportsbook reviews for each site.
According to the Asiabet review system, Dafabet and Betway are amongst the most popular betting sites for Indian users, along with 10CRIC and bet O bet; all of whom accept deposits and withdrawals made in Indian Rupees. Follow their guides to learn more about claiming free bets and how the different odds formats work, before placing any bets on the Champions League.
English Premier League has the Financial Might
One thing has become increasingly clear over the last several years, which is the fact that other European leagues are struggling to compete with the financial might of the Premier League. Even traditionally powerful clubs like Real Madrid and Barcelona have fallen on hard times, unable to match the spending levels of the biggest clubs from England.
While the leading English clubs continue to spend heavily, some of the continental giants have been forced to make drastic reductions, as they combat economic struggles. One great example is the recent sale of defender Rafael Varane by Real Madrid, with his capture announced by the official manutd.com club website, which followed the mega-money arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund.
THE WAIT IS FINALLY OVER. @ManUtd 🔴 pic.twitter.com/k4rEbNYmdg
— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) July 24, 2021
Liverpool has also secured the £36 million signing of Ibrahima Konaté from RB Leipzig, while both Chelsea and Manchester City are also expected to close blockbuster moves, ahead of the transfer window closing. Indeed, it’s likely all four English candidates in the Champions League will be making further key signings before the summer ends.
French outfit PSG are the only club capable of genuinely competing at present, whenever the English clubs flex their financial muscles. Bayern Munich have strengthened with the arrival of Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig, although they are unlikely to announce any other big moves. Meanwhile, austerity is the name of the game at Real Madrid and Barcelona right now.
English Giants Expected to Reign Supreme
All four English sides are predicted to demonstrate their strengths the group stages, with little to stand in their way of progressing to the Round of 16. From there, the competition always gets more interesting and there can often be surprise results. However, most football experts believe we are firmly heading into an era of unstoppable Premier League dominance.
Manchester City and Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United; they will undoubtedly be the teams to beat in the Champions League this coming season. PSG and Bayern Munich will always be there or thereabouts, yet it will undoubtedly be difficult for them to match the English clubs in their quest for continental supremacy.
Whatever the final outcome, let’s hope the Champions League proves as thrilling as ever. This competition always tends to deliver, serving up a treat for fans with an appetite to watch best European players and teams in action, as they battle to land the biggest prize in club football.
