Madrid, who landed their jaw-dropping fifteenth European Cup win last season with a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund, seemed to give the oddsmakers reason for their short prices overnight at home, with goals from Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger, and Brazilian talent, Endrick enough to see off Bundesliga side, Stuttgart.

And with the win, despite Man City’s current status as -275 betting favorites to win the UEFA Champions League, fans of betting online can still get good odds on Real Madrid to go back-to-back – with the Spanish side currently placed as second favorites with odds of +350.

Real Madrid emerge as betting hot shots for European Cup win

Besting Pep Guardiola’s side over two legs with a penalty shootout last season culminating at the Etihad, Real Madrid would knock out the treble-winning holders, before narrowly edging past Bayern Munich en route to a final win over the above-mentioned, Dortmund. 

As for third betting favorites, Arsenal, the London club kick off their UEFA Champions League assault tomorrow night against Italian side, Atalanta – fresh from a UEFA Europa League triumph – in a bid to land their first European Cup in the clubs history.

One side backed with an outside chance of +1,200 come as competition regulars and serial winners, Liverpool – who backed by Arne Slot rose from an early deficit against AC Milan to win 1-3 at the San Siro courtesy of goals from Ibrahima Konate, Virgil van Dijk, and Dominik Szobozslai enough for the win. 

Seeming to have outsiders, FC Barcelona purring in La Liga competition, German head coach, Hansi Flick has so far led the Catalan side to victories in each of their domestic outings so far this campaign.

And despite riding a current +1,200 betting line in line with Liverpool, the Spanish side travel to former competition finalists, AS Monaco in France tomorrow night for their new league format debut in the competitions. 

At once placed as sizeable betting favorites in the past to land themselves a UEFA Champions League win, recent finalists, Paris Saint Germain are currently drawing odds of +2,200 ahead of their competition return tonight against high-flying La Liga side, Girona. 

One particular reason for their dwindling status amongst UEFA Champions League frontrunners comes in the form of their loss of French forward, Kylian Mbappe, who split the Parisian side earlier this summer in a high-profile move to Real Madrid. 

As for Bayern Munich, despite missing out of Bundesliga success to first-time winners, Bayer Leverkusen, the Bavarian club are boasting odds of +1,000 to win the UEFA Champions League this season – following their exit against Real Madrid last time out.

Currently topping the Bundesliga with three wins from three matches, Vincent Kompany’s side turned in a monumental 9-2 win over Dinamo Zagreb overnight in their European Cup opener, with Harry Kane netting four goals to surpass countryman, Wayne Rooney as the most prolific English forward in the tournament’s history. 

Despite surviving a late scare in their UEFA Champions League victory over FC Copenhagen earlier this week, Manchester United remain massive outright betting favorites to win a fourth European Cup, as they look to qualify ahead of a pacesetting, Bayern Munich, and Galatasaray.

United, under the tutelage of Dutch head coach, Erik ten Hag, turned in their first UEFA Champions League win of the season earlier this week, landing a close, 1-0 win over Danish side, FC Copenhagen, to secure their fourth point from a possible nine.

However, it was far from entirely plain sailing for the Old Trafford side, with unlikeliest of heroes, Harry Maguire heading home from close range in the second half to break the deadlock, amid a season of uncertainty for the England national team captain.

Riding out a one-nil lead into the dying minutes of their clash with FC Copenghagen, another receive performer, Scott McTominay gave away a contentious penalty kick – for the second match running. 

Manchester United massive betting underdog to lift European Cup

And offered the opportunity to put prior seasons’ woes to the back of fan’s minds with the last kick of the game, Cameroonian goalkeeper, Andre Onana kept out Jordan Larsson’s spot kick – resulting in a massive ovation from the Stretford End, as United secured three points for the first time in Europe this season.

However, despite their exploits and winning return this week, United are still placed as high as 40/1 on many markets offering Champions League 23/24 betting – to win the European Cup for a fourth time in their illustrious history. 

Returning to Premier League action this weekend, United welcome cross city rivals, City to Old Trafford for the first Manchester Derby of the season – attempting to keep their winning run afloat against a surprisingly faltering Pep Guardiola side.

And despite a recent run of form with wins against Brentford and an away success to Sheffield United last weekend, United face a Derby outing potentially without Brazilian midfield technican and holding ace, Casemiro, as well as full back talent, Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

With no further developments on the ongoing situation regarding English winger, Jadon Sancho amid continued links to an impending exit from United in the January transfer window, the return of Antony in recent weeks will likely see the Brazilian partner with Portuguese wing back Diogo Dalot, as the duo face a potential onslaught from Josko Gvardiol, and either Jack Grealish, or summer arrival, Jeremy Doku. 

Amassing more minutes up top in what has been a natural for him so far this season, Danish forward, Rasmus Hojlund was substituted for French forward, Anthony Martial in the remaining minutes of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Copenhagen, the former is expected to appear in the starting lineup once more under ten Hag – who faces a massive challenge against Guardiola this weekend. 

Struggling so far to keep pace with a fleeting Ange Postecoglu-led Tottenham Hotspur, the London side extended their lead atop the Premier League table last night in an all-London clash with Crystal Palace, turning in a 2-1 victory at Selhurst Park. 

Despite running through a real torrid run of form, Manchester United are quite significant betting favorites to dispatch Turkish side, Galatasaray in their UEFA Champions League group stage match tonight at Old Trafford – in a bid to get their first points on the board.

Returning to Premier League action over the course of the weekend, Erik ten Hag’s side suffered a hugely disappointing and rather dismal 0-1 loss to Roy Hodgsen’s Crystal Palace side, having previously beaten the London club 3-0 at home just earlier in the week in their first match as part of a Carabao Cup defense.

Seeing another VAR decision go against them despite a slew of appeals, Manchester United will feel hard done by after a Palace defender handled in the area before a pass could reach forward, Marcus Rashford, only for the referee to point for a corner.

Failing to create more than a couple of significant chances, particularly for Danish forward, Rasmus Hojlund, United fell to a first half strike from Joachim Andersen, who found the net in the opening half.

However, despite their recent losses to Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion and Bundesliga winners, Bayern Munich in their UEFA Champions League return last month, United are closing as decent -210 betting favorites to beat the +550 betting underdogs, Galatarasary tonight at home.

A slew of markets and bookies are still taking action on tonight’s UEFA Champions League return, with event a host offering welcome bonuses at casinos with punters confident enough to wager on ten Hag’s side finally lodging points as part of a tricky group. 

Welcoming Brazilian forward, Antony back to the camp over the course of last weekend amid police and club investigations into a personal matter in his native Brazil with his former partner, the former Ajax winger was unavailable for selection against Palace at the weekend, however, is expected to potentially return to a travelling team to Old Trafford tonight. 

Deployed at left back again on the weekend against Palace, Moroccan midfield engine, Sofyan Amrabat has yet to feature substantially in a double-pivot alongside Brazilian veteran, Casemiro – with the on-loan Fiorentina star likely to feature on the left flank again tonight as part of a crumbling defense.

Furthermore, again without Argentine center half, Lisandro Martinez – the FIFA World Cup winner is set for a potential three-month sidelining once more, with surgery to address a prior foot injury expected to take place this week. 

Tackling Danish side, FC Copenhagen in their opening group game, Turkish Super Lig side, Galatasaray battled to a 2-2 draw at home in their opening UEFA Champions League group match, replying to a two goal deficit with late strikes from both Sacha Boey, and Tete. 

Unbeaten nationally and domestically this season, Galatasaray, led up top by former Paris Saint Germain and Internazionale forward, Mauro Icardi, most recently scored twice to defeat Ankaragucu 2-1 before the turn of the month leading into tonight’s massive second tie match with Manchester United. 

Across six prior matches between the two, Manchester United landed two wins to Galatasaray’s one victory, with the points shared between the two in their three other matchups. 

As pressure continues to mount on Dutch head coach, Erik ten Hag amid a stalling Manchester United start to this season’s campaign, the Red Devils have drifted even further out in terms of a potential UEFA Champions League win for the first time since 2009, following last night’s 3-4 loss away to Bayern Munich in Germany.

United, who kicked off their European campaign off the back of a hugely disappointing 3-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion over the course of last weekend, were put to the sword by Bundesliga champions, Bayern at the Allianz Arena last night in Munich, slumping to a third consecutive loss in all competitions. 

Finding themselves down 2-0 inside the opening half an hour despite a relatively bright start, United were forced to claw back after former Manchester City wideman, Leroy Sane found a way under the body of Andre Onana with his effort, opening the scoring.

Latching onto a quickfire double after fantastic work from Jamal Musiala, former Arsenal forward, Serge Gnabry converted inside the box just five minutes later, slotting into Onana’s far corner.

Inside the opening minutes of the second half, ten Hag’s side began what looked to be spirited comeback, with Marcus Rashford teeing up Rasmus Hojlund inside the area, who slotted past Sven Ulrich on the turn – with the help of a deflection.

However, moments later, Harry Kane converted from a the spot to make it 3-1 to Bayern, with Christian Eriksen handlining in the area. 

And despite a late brace from Brazilian midfielder, Casemiro either side of a cool finish from French youngster, Mathias Tel inside the box – United ultimately slumped to a 4-3 loss to Thomas Tuchel’s side.

As a result, you can find online a host of markets offering United as far out as 33/1 to progress from a group containing both Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen, and win the entire UEFA Champions League outright. 

Set for a trip to newly-promoted Burnley on Saturday evening, Manchester United will need to bag all three points at Turf Moor in order to relieve pressure on former Ajax boss, ten Hag – who according to reports, will receive backing from the United hierarchy, despite a poor opening start to the season. 

A sore issue which appears to be rising for United players and staff alike continues to come in the uncertainty regarding a potential takeover of the club from either Qatari-backed ownership, or Ineos header, Sir Jim Ratcliffe – as part of a saga which has rumbled along all summer to no conclusion.

Furthermore, ongoing personal issues with Brazilian winger, Antony, as well as disciplinary proceedings taken against faltering English attacker, Jadon Sancho, has left a cloud hanging over a barebones right wing for ten Hag – who elected to pick Facundo Pellistri to no significant effect against Munich last night. 

And ahead of United’s trip to Turf Moor on Saturday, fans have called for ten Hag to utilize a double-pivot in midfield consisting of Casemiro and summer acqusition, Sofyan Amrabat – with the Moroccan so far sidelined through a niggling injury since his loan arrival from Serie A side, Fiorentina, as fortunes look to change for the Old Trafford club. 

With domestic football set to return after the Christmas festive period next week, defending Premier League champions, Manchester City remain distinct betting favorites to land their first UEFA Champions League title victory this season, ahead of a February last 16 return.

Sitting second in the Premier League table behind rivals, Arsenal by five points, City, under the guidance of former European Cup winner, Pep Guardiola, along with 15 other sides, will make their return to the elite European competition in February – with the Citizens attempting to secure thief rist European Cup success. 

Progressing atop a group containing Borussia Dortmund, Copenhagen, and Sevilla, City managed to land 15 points in the group stage, going unbeaten in the process.

Dumped out in years since the ‘City Project’ began and in years since achieving now-comfortable qualification domestically, City have been drawn against German side, RB Leipzig over the course of two legs.

Attempting to join cross-town rivals, Manchester United, London side, Chelsea and Merseyside outfit, Liverpool at the only English clubs to lift the modern UEFA Champions League, markets are currently offering Guardiola’s side as low as 13/8 to win the competition outright – the best odds amongst their compatriots to boot. New Jersey soccer sportsbooks offer betting and wagering on UEFA Champions League out-right victors.

German side, Bayern Munich are considered second betting favorites to win the UEFA Champions League, having dropped their crown to last season’s winners, Real Madrid. The Julian Nagelsman side have been drawn opposite prior finalists, PSG – having defeated the Paris side to win the crown back in 2020. 

Another side yet to achieve European Cup success come in the form of PSG, with the Parisian club sitting as outsiders at 7/1 – as they look to be backed by a FIFA World Cup winning, Lionel Messi in their last 16 draw against Bayern.

The aforenoted, Liverpool struggled earlier this season – especially in their first outing against Napoli, and have been drawn against last season’s winners, Real Madrid in February.

Matching with Los Blancos in last season’s final, a second half goal from Brazilian forward, Vinicius Junior saw Jurgen Klopp’s side put to the sword in a disappointing end to the season, which also saw them pipped to the Premier League title.

Once winning the UEFA Cup (now UEFA Europa League) title during their history, the aforenoted, Napoli – led by Nigerian upstart, Victor Osimhen, are available quite short at 10/1 to win their first UEFA Champions League as well, having progressed alongside Liverpool in their group. 

The Luciano Spaletti-led outfit have been drawn against German-side, Eintracht Frankfurt in February’s last 16 outing – with the latter attempting to go on better than their impressive UEFA Europea Final penalty shoot-out win over Rangers last season. 

Chasing their stunning fifteenth European Cup success, Real Madrid; the most prolific and successful side in the competition’s joint history, sit as firm outsiders at 11/1 to win back-to-back crowns, with an aging squad and injured talisman in the form of Karim Benzema set to draw Liverpool next year.

Netting eight separate times during last year’s UEFA Champions League campaign – which saw Liverpool finish runners up behind Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid, Egyptian forward, Mohamed Salah has been touted as a potential winner of this season’s top goalscorer award.

Salah, who currently leads this season’s top goalscorer charts with seven goals in the group stage alongside Paris Saint Germain frontman, Kylian Mbappe, guided his team to second place in Group A – behind Italian side, Napoli who managed to trounce the Jurgen Klopp-led side in Naples in their reverse clash.

A bright spark in an interchanging front three of Luis Diaz, Roberto Firmino, and Diogo Jota, Salah has been a relative source of joy for the Kop this season – as part of a tumultuous and topsy-turvy campaign for Klopp’s side, both domestically and in European competition.

Available as still quite an outside bet behind the aforenoted, Mbappe, and Manchester City striker, Erling Haaland – who has found the net five times in the Champions League as part of his stunning goalscoring exploits this season, online free spins casino place Salah at worthy odds to end this year’s campaign as top goalscorer. 

Last campaign’s top goalscorer award went to recent FIFA Ballon D’or winner, Karim Benzema, with the Real Madrid talisman guiding Ancelotti’s side to tournament success against Liverpool – netting a whopping 15 times throughout the group stage and as part of stunning knockout ties for Los Blancos. 

Following a surprisingly quiet season last year – at least by his standards, Argentine forward and six time top goalscorer victor, Lionel Messi has kicked on this season in Paris alongside Mbappe and Brazilian playmaker, Neymar – finding the net himself 4 times throughout the group stage.

Polish frontman, Robert Lewandowski is also out of the running to win this season’s UEFA Champions League, with his Barcelona side dumped out at the group stage, despite the former Bayern Munich man scoring 5 times in 5 group stage appearances. Barcelona are set to feature in the UEFA Europa League in the new year, with the Catalan side slated to compete in a two legged affair with a chance to reach the last 16.

Topping a solid Group B which included both Bayer Leverkusen, and Diego Simeone’s Athletico Madrid, FC Porto see their attack spearheaded by Iranian striker, Mehdi Taremi – who has continued his goalscoring exploits since arriving from Rio Ave two season’s ago – scoring 5 times in the group stage, landing him beside both Lewandowski, and Haaland. 

For Serie A victors, AC Milan, the Rossoneri finished behind Chelsea in second place in Group B – progressing to the knockout phase courtesy of French maestro, Olivier Giroud. Led by Stefano Pioli, Milan have developed an energetic and technical group of players following a gold drought in the Italian capital in the last decade, spearheaded by Giroud, Portuguese sensation, Rafael Leao, as well as serial winner, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who is touted to soon return from a knee injury suffered at the tail end of last season. 

Brazil have opened as betting favorites, although they are closely followed by England and France, all of who are capable of fielding squads filled with a plethora of talent and depth.

England have only won the World Cup once, capturing the trophy in 1966. However, if their performance in the recent 2020 Euro’s is anything to go by, this could well be the year it’s finally ‘coming home.’

Whilst the team ultimately slipped up in the Euro final, losing out to Italy on penalties, the consistent quality the team showed throughout the tournament indicates that they could well go on to achieve great things this year.

England 2022 World Cup XI – A Wealth Of UEFA Champions League Experience

England’s manager Gareth Southgate has a solid variety of options to pick from for the upcoming World Cup. The majority of his team have been playing at the highest level of the Premier League, with many also featuring in the UEFA Champions League.

Both Liverpool and Manchester City are currently competing in the semi-finals, with English players such as Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, and Phil Foden all featuring. If you are looking for the best odds for this year’s UEFA Champions League winner, then Rushbet is the site to use.

Goalkeeper

England’s goalkeeper options for the 2022 World Cup are slightly limited, with Everton’s Jordan Pickford likely the first choice for Southgate. Pickford is a talented keeper, but prone to bouts of inconsistency and rashness.

Burnley’s Nick Pope and Southampton’s Fraser Forster represent Southgate’s alternate options. Both are solid goalkeepers, though not quite as consistently impressive as Brazil’s backup keeper option of Ederson.

Defenders

England have played five at the back in the past, but it is currently unclear as to what strategy Southgate will employ come November. For the sake of this article we will presume that he plays the traditional four at the back, although that is of course subject to change.

Trent Alexander Arnold is the most obvious pick. The Liverpool right-back is one of the best in the world in his position, with pinpoint crosses that consistently see him rack up numerous assists. On the left, Manchester United’s Luke Shaw has been consistently solid when playing for his country. The 26 year old is currently injured and thought to be out for the rest of the season, although will likely be back in time for the World Cup.

John Stones should slot straight into one of the center-back roles, as his stellar form for Manchester City has been very impressive. It is up for debate who plays alongside him, with Harry Maguire’s recent form bringing his starting place into question. Tyrone Mings or Conor Coady could both have a look in, depending on how things play out in the coming months.

Midfield

England have a solid variety of players that can fit into the midfield three. Jordan Henderson has been in good form for Liverpool and has been consistently playing at an extremely high level, not too much the maturity and leadership he brings to the center of the field. Declan Rice is also very solid, and could fulfill a similar role to Henderson, should Southgate wish to mix things up.

Paired with Henderson, could be Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount. Both young aggressive midfielders with an eye for goal, paired together they could give the opposition nonstop trouble.

It is also worth noting that Conor Gallagher of Crystal Palace has been on an incredible run of form lately, and will allow Southgate even further room for experimentation.

Attack

Harry Kane will of course retain his position as the man at the front of England’s attacking line, despite not having quite a prolific goal-scoring season as he has had in the past.

As for the wings, Southgate can really take his pick. Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho, and Jack Grealish are all excellent options that can cause all sorts of problems for opposing teams on the flanks.

How do you see England faring at the 2022 World Cup?