Opta Champions League Prediction Brings Mixed News for PSG, Manchester City

It is pretty well documented that this season, PSG are willing to become just the fourth club ever (after AFC Ajax, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid to win the UEFA Champions League (or European Cup as it was known in the first two cases) three times in a row. 

The title defence got off to a solid start, with a convincing 6-1 win over Slovakian side Slavan Bratisalva on match day one of the league phase a few weeks ago. 

But, how much are PSG fancied to actually make history by winning the competition for a third straight time? 

Well, according to the Opta super computer, PSG are only the fifth favourites to win the Champions League this season. Arsenal are currently seen as favourites (20.9%), followed by Bayern Munich (19.4%), then Manchester City (12.3%), and Barcelona (8.2%), and then there is Luis Enrique's side, whom are given a 7.1% chance, as per the super computer. 

Feels a bit harsh, considering the team have won the last two titles, but no problem at all. We know that PSG seem to be at their best when they are unfancied, against adversity, against the odds. It is actually mentioned in the Opta article that the rarity of teams winning three in a row probably counts against the team in the odds, rather than it being a slight against them in general. So there is that to consider too. 

Interestingly, PSG beat three of the four teams that are seen to have a higher chance of winning than them, last season. They famously beat Arsenal on penalties in the final, Bayern Munich in an incredibly semi final tie, and FC Barcelona back in the league phase. 

The only team there they did not beat were City, and that is because the two teams did meet last season. However, next up for PSG is a trip to the Etihad to face Enzo Maresca's side, in their first home game since being found guilty of 114 charges by the Premier League. 

Although PSG know more than anyone that the league phase does not mean as much as people may think, it will certainly be interesting to see the team test their wits against another top side. They will certainly be the toughest test of the season so far, there is no doubt about that. 

Ah well, let's wait and see. Nothing is won in October, that's for sure.