Ranking the top 5 teams most likely to win the UEFA Champions League in 2021-22
The Round of 16 stages is set as Europe’s top clubs walk into the knockouts of the most coveted competition at the club level. The UEFA Champions League is indeed heading into its business end. If you still have doubts about your team progressing further in the competition, you can check out my full predictions for the Champions League Round of 16 ties.
In the same light and energy, which teams do you think are most likely to win the competition this season?
Well, at least I am rock-solid about my opinion on the same, and hence, here is a list of teams I think are the most likely to add to their silverware with the coveted European Champions Cup.
I take into account factors like current form, primarily, squad depth, the status of injuries and absences, historical record, and the structure of management to determine which clubs should stand at what position at this moment on these power rankings. Happy Reading!
5. Chelsea
The current holders of the coveted prize, Chelsea haven’t been their best in the group stages this season. Although I am positive about them progressing to the quarterfinals against Lille, I don’t think they have the quality they possessed last season to advance any further in the competition. It will obviously depend on whom they are drawn against in the quarterfinals but overall, the fluid functionality from last season hasn’t been preserved at pristine.
There have been some troubles with Romelu Lukaku’s attitude towards his new employers and his scoring exploits have looked very much unlike him this season. However, Chelsea excels in three key areas. Firstly, they have an extensive squad list, and secondly, in the said squad they have an exceptional reserve of young talent. And, youngsters have been the ones that have made the difference for the London Blues last season.
Third and most importantly, they have a tactically smart coach in Thomas Tuchel who is making all sorts of headway in his coaching career with the Blues. They won the Champions League last season of course. But, it is important to acknowledge that Tuchel received a very dysfunctional side in ruins. It is a hundred percent credit to him for making this Chelsea side one to compete with and a side that could win the Champions League, helped by some horrible management from Pep Guardiola.
Last but not the least, Chelsea stands out in the middle of the park. Their main star cast of players like Jorginho, N’golo Kante have been putting in the extra work. They obviously bagged a spot in our list of best midfield in Europe. They’d be a serious title contender in the Champions League this season and are the defending champions, nonetheless!