The Champions League 2017-18: Favourite Teams and Dark Horses

The upcoming 2017-18 UEFA Champions League season promises to be an exciting one, with several teams raising hopes of lifting the trophy. According to recent performances and team dynamics, Manchester City and Bayern Munich stand out as the frontrunners. Other teams like Ajax and Chelsea have the potential to surprise, while traditional powerhouses such as Real Madrid and Barcelona face a challenging path to the title.

Manchester City and Bayern Munich: The Innate Favourites

At the top of the pack are Manchester City and Bayern Munich, who are currently the favorites to win the Champions League. Manchester City, known for its powerhouse attack and tactical expertise, shows no signs of slowing down. The team#39;s chemistry, boosted by the likes of Kevin De Bruyne and Raheem Sterling, makes them a formidable force. Similarly, Bayern Munich, with their experienced defense and dynamic midfield, pose a serious threat to any opponent. Although PSG has quality players in abundance, their recent performance underlines an issue with team chemistry, which is crucial for success in such high-stakes competition.

Ajax: The Dark Horse to Watch

Looking beyond the favorites, Ajax emerges as a dark horse that could upset the big teams. They burned their oats in 2018-19 by achieving unexpected success, proving that unpredictability is always a factor in the Champions League. Ajax is built on a solid foundation of young talent and a robust tactical approach, making them a team to keep an eye on throughout the season.

My Pick for the Title

Ultimately, my pick for the title belongs to Manchester City. They do not carry the legacy of a GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) player in their current team, which gives them a fresh perspective and a unique blend of young talent and experienced leadership. As such, their potential to surprise and upset established giants cannot be underestimated.

Other Strong Contenders

Chelsea, as the defending champions, and Real Madrid, despite their current struggles, still have the capability to challenge for the title. However, Real Madrid has been in a transitional phase, making consistent performances difficult. On the other hand, PSG, with their impressive squad, is a strong contender, but they need to work on team unity to reach their full potential.

Dark Horses and Upset Specialties

Two teams that stand out as dark horses in this season are Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. Atletico, known for their defensive prowess and tactical acumen, could potentially upset the odds. The addition of Joao Felix to their squad this season brings a significant boost to their attacking force, making them a formidable opponent. Borussia Dortmund, with their dynamic style of play and balanced squad, also has the potential to make a deep run in the competition.

In conclusion, while Manchester City and Bayern Munich remain the favorites with robust performances, the right combination of chemistry, teamwork, and tactical adjustments could potentially lead to upsets. So, keep your eyes peeled for the unexpected to happen in the Champions League 2017-18 season.