Champions League 2026-27: Expert Predictions and Key Contenders

The Champions League returns, with the final set for Madrid on 5 June next year. Paris St-Germain aim to clinch their third consecutive title as the league phase kicks off. Five English clubs are eager to challenge them, with Arsenal tipped as favourites after finishing runners-up last season.

Football analysts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague shared their views on the tournament favourites, players to watch, and what statistics reveal. Fans can also cast their vote on who they expect to lift the trophy.

Where to Watch Champions League Highlights

• Match highlights available on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app from 22:00 BST on Wednesdays during Champions League weeks
• Key moments featured in the Shorts tab on the BBC Sport app
• Special edition of Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One at 22:40
• Additional Thursday highlights show on BBC Two at 22:30 with matches available from 22:00

Favourites to Win

Julien Laurens: "If PSG manage a three-peat, it would be extraordinary, but I don't see it happening. Two titles in a row is special; three is almost impossible without someone like Cristiano Ronaldo. PSG will likely reach at least the semi-finals. I doubt the Mourinho-Real Madrid project will fully succeed, so my final would be between Bayern Munich and Arsenal. Arsenal have Europe's best defence, which wins titles. I'll pick Arsenal as champions, PSG in the last four, and Bayern as close runners-up."Guillem Balague: "PSG's uneven start shows how tough it is to maintain top form. Luis Enrique demands dynamic, high-pressure football, leading to some early-season experimentation and unusual results before January. Still, PSG should come close again. Barcelona are performing well but need reinforcements in defence and attack. Arsenal have found consistent winning form, boosting player confidence. I expect PSG, Arsenal, and Barcelona to reach the semifinals unless they face each other earlier. The fourth semifinalist could be Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City, depending on the draw."

Players to Watch

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): A crucial season for him as he takes the number 10 role under Mourinho. After a strong World Cup, he's expected to score many goals and make decisive plays.
• Nico Paz (Como): Como's creative hub and first-time Champions League participant. Managed by Cesc Fabregas, the team plays entertaining football with Paz emerging as a promising talent.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Outstanding winger who can attack from both sides, technical and goal-scoring threat, a potential Ballon d'Or candidate.
• Ismaelo Ganiou (Lens): Young, quick, physical centre-back who impressed in Ligue 1 and is expected to attract Premier League interest.
• Donyell Malen (Roma): Prolific striker returning to form with Roma, bringing excitement to the competition.
• Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): Competing for the Ballon d'Or, well-suited to Bayern's style.
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): Ambitious teenager thriving under Hansi Flick’s high-pressing tactics.
• Kaua Elias (Shakhtar Donetsk): Young Brazilian talent with potential for a major transfer.
• Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): Recovered from injuries, ready to lead and dominate games this season.

Statistical Insights

• Arsenal have the highest chance to win the Champions League at 20.4%, per Opta data.
• Bayern Munich follows closely with a 20% win probability.
• Manchester City, last season's winners, hold a 12.7% chance.
• PSG have a 7.3% chance to secure a historic third consecutive title.
• All five Premier League teams rank in the top 10 for overall win chances and have over 50% odds of reaching the last-16.
• Liverpool enjoys the easiest group-stage draw among English clubs according to power rankings.
• Stuttgart has the easiest overall path, while Inter Milan tops pot one for the most favourable draw.
• Arsenal drew Real Madrid and Bayern Munich but also two lowest-ranked teams, Sabah and Slovan Bratislava, making their group comparatively manageable.
• Manchester City faces one of the toughest draws, with Barcelona, PSG, and Napoli among their opponents.

Debutant Teams’ Prospects

Guillem Balague: "I admire what Cesc Fabregas is building at Como. Staying despite offers lets him experiment freely. They might reach the knockout stages. Austrian side LASK showed competitiveness but probably won't qualify despite a home win or two. Azerbaijani team Sabah is organized but faces a daunting schedule with matches against Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Borussia Dortmund; they might cause upsets but likely won't advance. Viking FK from Norway could reach knockouts given their clever coaching and competitive spirit despite a tough group including Bayern and Atletico."

Latest Champions League Standings and Fixtures

• Check BBC Sport for updated scores and fixtures throughout the season.
• Watch weekly highlights from 22:00 on Wednesdays on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport app.
• Catch the special Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One starting at 22:40.