The Blancos have gone over 10 years since their last European cup win, but our tipster thinks their business over the summer makes them prime candidates to lift the trophy
After sealing his world-record move Real Madrid, Gareth Bale rather unsubtly attempted to endear himself to his new fans by targeting the club’s long-awaited 10th European Cup victory.
Los Blancos have been longing to put their Champions League trophy haul into double figures for over a decade and the latest addition to their star-studded line-up will surely boost their chances of La Decima this season.
However, the appointment of double winner Carlo Ancelotti may prove just as decisive as they seek to conquer Europe and his experience of this competition makes the Spaniards all the more appealing at Betway’s price of 5/1 (6.0) to lift the trophy in Lisbon next May.
Unsurprisingly, current holders Bayern Munich are favourites at 7/2 (4.50) to go all the way, having proved themselves to be head and shoulders above the rest last season, and now under the command of another double winner, Pep Guardiola.
Guardiola’s former club Barcelona have started life brightly under new boss Gerardo Martino, and are available at 4/1 (5.0) to clinch their third success in six years in this competition, with Lionel Messi now joined by Neymar in attack.
The Mourinho factor undoubtedly plays a part in Chelsea’s position as top rated English club in this tournament, and the ‘Special One’ can be backed at 10/1 (11.0) to collect the one title lacking from his previous spell in charge.
Manuel Pellegrini’s impressive track record with modest Villarreal and Malaga paved the way to his taking over at Manchester City, who are available at 12/1 (13.0) to lift the trophy for the first time.
David Moyes, on the other hand, has never managed in Europe’s elite competition, and his Manchester United side are outsiders at 14/1 (15.0) to go all the way, while Arsenal’s chances are rated at a hefty 33/1 (34.0).
National champions Juventus and PSG could prove potential dark horses at 16/1 (17.0), while last season’s beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund are on offer at 20/1 (21.0).
Fans of the long shot may be seduced by Rafa Benitez’s exemplary record in European competition and the 50/1 (51.0) price available on his Napoli side, but those 5/1 (6.0) odds on Real Madrid are surely the most sensible bet.
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Al Hain-Cole is a Liverpool fan, experienced tipster and avid follower of European football. He specialises in accumulators and if you would like to read more from Al you can follow him on Twitter here.