The UEFA Champions League is back in full swing, with the 2023/24 edition the final one in which the current format is being used. Next year’s event and subsequent competitions thereafter will feature a new format, one which has proven to be very controversial.

Manchester City are the current holders of the title, having defeated Inter Milan 1-0 in Turkey last season to capture their first European title. Knowing that retaining the title is something that only Real Madrid has managed to do in the modern era of this tournament, there have been many who are asking whether they can do it or if another English Premier League team will follow in their footsteps.

Of course, most will immediately identify teams from the PL as a contender due to their status and reputation across world football. The league is widely viewed as being the best one in the world, with many of the world’s top players having moved to clubs that form it. These clubs appeal to global fanbases, thus making them as big and powerful as they are in terms of sporting competition and from a commercial standpoint.

However, that does not mean that they have a monopoly on football competition. There have been other teams from various countries that have proven themselves worthy winners in continental football. Spain has always produced numerous winners, while Germany and Italy have both had their fair share. France could in the future if PSG are to eventually get over the line, too.

Nonetheless, that does not appear to stop the English sides from being favoured. Many like their chances given the squads that they have, which can often be seen in the betting odds that are available. Punters who visit https://non-gamstop-casinos.com/betting-sites-not-on-gamstop/ and use the safe sites listed to enhance any wagering experience will find that the English sides are once again amongst the favourites to win the 2023/24 UCL.

Manchester City

Man City are the favourites to win the title and be the first team to go back-to-back since Real Madrid did it. It will be a huge accomplishment and something that will require a lot of effort and dedication, while Pep Guardiola might concede there needs to be an element of luck, too. There is every chance that the Cityzens can do it, and it is far from a shock that they are favourites.

Arsenal

Perhaps a little left-field, given that the club has been out of the UCL for the last five seasons and competing in the UEFA Europa League, but Arsenal are a team with a lot of superstar power and potential. The Gunners have been on an upward trajectory under Mikel Arteta over the last few seasons, and with the Spaniard at the helm, anything appears to be possible. With the Champions League independent of recent editions and past performances, anything can really happen for the Gunners in this year’s competition.

Manchester United

A club steeped in history, but one that has floundered for years since the Sir Alex Ferguson days. Manchester United were once one of the feared sides in world football, but now it is impossible to know what you are going to get from the Red Devils. They are capable on their day of challenging the very best, but sometimes those days are very few and far between.

Newcastle United

Newcastle made their first appearance in the UCL this year in twenty years, and they were handed a “Group of Death” scenario. There is no doubt that they should compete, but navigating a tricky group will be the first challenge and if they do that, many will suggest they have had a great return to continental football. Winning the competition might be a stretch.