Which Club is the Massive Favorite?
Bettingexpert's supercomputer has simulated the tournament 100,000 times to predict the chances of each club reaching this season's Champions League final. Manchester City, the current holders, are the massive favorite with a 44.2% chance of making it to the final again, and a 32.1% probability of successfully defending their crown. City has been drawn in a relatively easy group, giving them a favorable path to the final.
Arsenal's Return and Their Chances
Arsenal fans can rejoice as the Gunners make their Champions League return after six years away. According to the supercomputer, Arsenal has a 15% chance of reaching the final, putting them in fourth place for the highest probability of qualifying for the knockout stages. Their group stage opponents include Sevilla, PSV, and Lens.
Manchester United and the Battle for the Final
Manchester United has been given a slightly lower probability of making it to the Wembley final at 9.8%. The Red Devils are also predicted to come second in their group, with Bayern Munich taking the top spot. Harry Kane's Bayern has a 21.8% chance of reaching the final. However, Manchester United fans should not lose hope as the supercomputer predicts their advancement to the last 16 despite being in the group of death with PSG, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan.
Newcastle's Surprising Chances
Surprisingly, Newcastle has been tipped to advance to the last 16, despite being drawn in the group of death alongside PSG, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan. The supercomputer has made the Magpies second favorites in their group, with a 55.1% chance of progression. Newcastle also has a seven percent probability of reaching the final.
Celtic's Slim Chances
Celtic, the only Scottish representatives in the group stage after Rangers' play-off elimination, faces tough competition in group E against Atletico Madrid, Lazio, and Feyenoord. The supercomputer has given them just a 0.9% probability of making the final.
The group stage of the Champions League begins on September 19, with the full set of fixtures released on Saturday morning.
