Arsenal legend makes surprise Champions League winner prediction

The revamped UEFA Champions League has already thrown up some real surprises in its first season.

The new-look tournament now features 36 teams in a league-style format, with the top eight teams advancing directly to the Round of 16.

While outsiders including Lille, Brest and Aston Villa are challenging for automatic qualification to the knockout stages, the biggest shock is seeing holders Real Madrid and 2023 winners Manchester City battling early elimination.

But former Arsenal midfielder and NetBet main man Ray Parlour is backing the European giants to turn around their poor form, and even lift the trophy on May 31 in Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena.

“So far, it’s been very enjoyable and very competitive,” said the ex-Gunner. “The new format gives lesser teams a chance to do well. You’re also seeing some of the more fancied teams struggling to make the top eight.

“The final round of games will be very interesting to see the movement in positions of teams looking to get into the top eight and also qualify for the playoffs.

“You can never rule out Real Madrid. They are the winners of the competition the most times and always a big threat when it comes to the knockout rounds. They have Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and many other top players who know how to win the competition.

'Like Real Madrid, you can never rule out Man City either.'

“They are still a big threat in this competition as they know how to win it. Even though Rodri is out, they have plenty of options if they can get back to full confidence.

"With Haaland up front, you always have a chance and the quality of Foden and De Bruyne can’t be underestimated. If their League form drops off even further, then the Champions League could be their major target to put their full focus on.”

Liverpool are currently 4/1 favourites with NetBet to lift the Champions League for the seventh time in their history.

Both Real Madrid and Arsenal are 6/1 with the online betting giants, while Barcelona are 13/2, Bayern Munich and Manchester City 7/1, and Inter Milan 16/1.

Outsiders Bayer Leverkusen are 22/1 with NetBet, while Aston Villa, making their first appearance in the Champions League since 1982–83, are 40/1.

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“Liverpool are up there for sure, and a super first half of the season has shortened the odds of them to go on and win the Champions League,” added Parlour.

“Hopefully Saka will be back for the knockout stages of the Champions League and Arsenal will have finished in the top eight and go straight to the round of 16.

"If this happens, Arsenal have a chance to improve on last year's quarter-final and with a bit of luck with the draw, they have a chance to win it.

“It will take luck, but also Arsenal have the defence to win the competition. The main thing is to have all your best players fit at the right time of the season, and in form too.

“Inter Milan would be my dark horse for the Champions League this season. They have had a very strong start to the campaign and have been very strong defensively in the competition.

"They beat Arsenal in one of their games and look very comfortable in the competition, especially at home as well. They are difficult to beat.”