Bayern Munich are heavily tipped to maintain the Bundesliga’s dominance in Europe, but Al Hain-Cole thinks there is value to be found in backing a Spanish resurgence
While last season’s Champions League was all about the German sides, it is Spain that is expected to enjoy a resurgence this time out.
Although Bayern Munich are available at mere even odds (2.00) with Paddy Power to reach the final, Borussia Dortmund 11/2 (6.50) are struggling to hit the heights of last campaign and Bayer Leverkusen 33/1 (34.00) are rank outsiders after already being outclassed by an underwhelming Manchester United team.
On the other hand, La Liga boasts three strong contenders to reach the final in Real Madrid 2/1 (3.00), Barcelona 5/2 (3.50) and an impressive Atletico Madrid 4/1 (5.00), making odds of 7/5 (2.40) on a Spanish champion rather more tempting than the 17/10 (2.70) price available on the trophy staying in Germany.
Difficult last 16 draws have hampered Manchester City 13/2 (7.50) and Arsenal’s 9/1 (10.00) chances of taking to the field in Lisbon come May, while Manchester United’s 5/1 (6.00) unconvincing form leaves Chelsea 11/2 (6.50) as the Premier League’s most realistic finalists, with odds of 3/1 (4.00) on offer on an English side going all the way.
In fact, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich to contend with next, Manchester City 4/9 (1.44) and Arsenal 1/5 (1.20) are heavily tipped to crash out in the last 16, with neither Chelsea nor Manchester United expected to last much longer at 6/5 (2.20) and 11/10 (2.10) respectively to suffer elimination at the quarter-finals stage.
Flying the flag alone for France, dark horses Paris Saint-Germain are available at 9/2 (5.50) to reach the final and 12/1 (13.00) to actually lift the trophy, while Italy’s chances of conquering Europe are rated at 40/1 (41.00) as sole representatives AC Milan are 14/1 (15.00) outsiders to even make the last two.
Realistically, this year’s trophy is likely to be fought over between Spain and Germany, with Bayern Munich versus Barcelona the most anticipated final, at odds of 6/1 (7.00).
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Al Hain-Cole is an 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.
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