Who Will Triumph in the Champions League? Predictions from BBC Sport Experts
Published: 2025-09-15 14:50:38 | Category: sport
The UEFA Champions League is back, featuring 36 teams including holders Paris St-Germain and a record six English clubs. With 189 matches scheduled, the competition promises excitement and drama as clubs vie for Europe's most coveted trophy. Experts from BBC Sport have weighed in on their predictions, highlighting Liverpool as a strong contender, alongside PSG and Real Madrid, while also discussing potential surprise packages like Napoli and Chelsea.
Last updated: 07 October 2023 (BST)
Key Takeaways
- Six English teams are competing, a record for the Champions League.
- Experts predict Liverpool, PSG, and Real Madrid as top contenders.
- Potential surprise packages include Napoli and Chelsea.
- Players to watch include Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and PSG's Desire Doue.
- The final will take place in Budapest's Puskas Arena in May.
The Champions League Format and Its Implications
The UEFA Champions League, now in its 71st edition, has undergone significant changes over the years, particularly with the introduction of the league phase format in the previous season. This allows for a more extensive group of teams to compete, leading to a total of 189 matches before the knockout rounds commence. The new format has stirred discussions about its impact on traditional powerhouses and emerging clubs alike.
Understanding the New Format
The league phase includes all 36 teams playing each other in a round-robin format, ensuring more matches and opportunities for teams to showcase their talent. This change aims to enhance viewer engagement and provide fans with more competitive fixtures.
Why This Season Is Different
With the influx of investment in club squads over the summer, particularly from English teams, the competition's landscape has shifted dramatically. Premier League clubs alone invested more in transfers than clubs from La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga combined. This could lead to a highly competitive tournament where the depth of squads will be crucial.
Experts' Predictions for the Champions League
As the competition kicks off, several pundits have put forward their predictions on who will lift the trophy in Budapest. The consensus seems to lean towards a few teams, with Liverpool, PSG, and Real Madrid frequently mentioned.
Liverpool's Strong Squad
Phil McNulty, BBC's chief football writer, believes Liverpool will emerge victorious, citing their summer signings, including Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, as significant boosts to their already potent squad. The team's performance last season, where they narrowly lost to eventual champions PSG, adds to their motivation.
Sami Mokbel and Thomas Hitzlsperger echo this sentiment, highlighting Liverpool's unbeaten start to the Premier League and their depth in the squad as crucial factors in their favour. With a mixture of youth and experience, Liverpool is well-positioned to make a deep run.
PSG's Quest for Back-to-Back Titles
PSG's aspirations to win consecutive titles cannot be overlooked. Expert opinions suggest that their blend of youthful talent and experience makes them formidable. Steph Houghton and Pat Nevin both advocate for PSG, praising their attacking style and squad dynamics. This season, PSG aims to prove their dominance in European football once more.
Real Madrid's Timeless Presence
Real Madrid, renowned for their Champions League pedigree, cannot be discounted. Steve Wilson notes their strong mentality and the leadership of manager Xabi Alonso, while Rory Smith highlights their individual talent. Despite a rocky previous season, the club's history in the competition fuels expectations for a revival.
Potential Surprise Packages
As always, the Champions League is ripe for unexpected outcomes. This season, several clubs could defy expectations and make a deep run.
Napoli's Resurgence
Experts like Nicky Bandini and Pat Nevin have highlighted Napoli as a potential surprise package. Under the management of Antonio Conte, they have shown resilience and tactical acumen, making them a dark horse in the competition. Their recent domestic success adds to their confidence in European play.
Chelsea's Youthful Ambition
Guillem Balague and Stephen Warnock have pointed to Chelsea as a club to watch. With a squad rich in young talent, Chelsea is building something special under their current management. Despite past struggles, their trajectory suggests they could surprise many this season.
Players to Watch
The Champions League is also a stage for emerging talents to shine. Several players have been earmarked by pundits as ones to keep an eye on.
Lamine Yamal of Barcelona
At only 18 years old, Yamal has been making waves in European football. Experts like Phil McNulty are keen to see how he performs under the spotlight of the Champions League, especially after his record-breaking appearances last season.
Desire Doue from PSG
Another young talent to watch is PSG's Desire Doue, who has shown promise in his performances. His ability to influence games could be pivotal for PSG's aspirations this season.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next?
As the competition unfolds, fans will eagerly anticipate the matchups and storylines that will emerge. With the first round of matches commencing soon, the excitement is palpable. Teams will be looking to establish their dominance early, while others will aim to create upsets that could shape the tournament.
What Lies Ahead for English Clubs?
With six English clubs participating, the potential for deep runs is significant. Teams such as Arsenal, Manchester City, and Tottenham Hotspur all possess the quality to advance far in the tournament. The question remains: which of these English sides will go the furthest?
Conclusion: Predicting the Future
As the Champions League begins, predictions are rife, but the beauty of football lies in its unpredictability. Will Liverpool's investment pay off, or will PSG's youthful exuberance lead them to another trophy? Can Real Madrid reclaim their glory, or will Napoli and Chelsea spring a surprise? The answers will unfold over the coming months, culminating in the final in Budapest.
As we gear up for what promises to be an exhilarating season, one question lingers: who will you back to lift the trophy in May? #ChampionsLeague #FootballPredictions #UEFA
FAQs
What is the format of the Champions League this season?
The Champions League features a league phase with 36 teams playing a round-robin format, followed by knockout rounds. This allows for more matches and greater opportunities for teams to succeed.
When is the Champions League final scheduled?
The final is set to take place in May 2024 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest, Hungary.
Which clubs are considered strong contenders this season?
Experts suggest Liverpool, PSG, and Real Madrid as top contenders, but clubs like Napoli and Chelsea are also being watched as potential surprise packages.
Who are the young players to watch in this season's Champions League?
Lamine Yamal from Barcelona and Desire Doue from PSG are two young talents highlighted as players to keep an eye on during the tournament.
How many English clubs are participating in the Champions League this season?
This season, a record six English clubs are competing in the Champions League: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur.
