As the upcoming Champions League season approaches, football experts are weighing in on who they believe will lift the famous trophy in Madrid, with Arsenal emerging as a strong favourite among contenders, while Manchester City is also named as a potential semi-finalist.
Paris St-Germain, aiming for a historic third consecutive title, face stiff competition from a field that includes five English teams, according to BBC Sport. While PSG are expected to go deep into the tournament, achieving a “three-peat” is considered a formidable challenge.
Expert Predictions for the 2026-27 Champions League
Football experts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague have offered their insights into the likely finalists and eventual winners for the upcoming Champions League season, as detailed in BBC Sport’s “Champions League 2026-27 predictions” piece. Julien Laurens predicts that PSG will reach at least the semi-finals but will fall short of a third consecutive title. He discounts the “Jose Mourinho-Real Madrid project” and instead tips Bayern Munich and Arsenal to reach the final, with Arsenal ultimately winning due to what he describes as “the best defence in Europe by far.”
Guillem Balague acknowledges PSG’s high demands under Luis Enrique, expecting a period of transition. Despite an “irregular start to the season,” he anticipates PSG getting “very close to winning it again.” Balague also highlights Barcelona as a team that is “flying” and Arsenal for having “found a way to win regularly,” suggesting these three teams, along with Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City, should feature in the semi-finals, draw permitting.
Manchester City’s Prospects in Europe
For Manchester-based readers, Manchester City’s inclusion among the potential semi-finalists by Guillem Balague provides a point of local interest. While not a definitive prediction for the final, being named alongside European giants like Bayern Munich and Real Madrid underscores their continued presence at the elite level of continental football. The club’s European journey is often a key topic for local followers, with discussions on player movements, such as Rodri to Barcelona: Implications for Manchester City, often influencing these expectations.
Notably, Manchester United does not feature in the specific predictions for the later stages of the competition provided by the experts in the source material.
Players to Watch in the Tournament
Several individual talents are expected to make a significant impact on the upcoming Champions League season. Experts have highlighted:
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Anticipated to have a strong season individually and collectively under Mourinho, scoring many goals in his number 10 role.
- Nico Paz (Como): A “special player” and future top talent at the heart of debutants Como’s entertaining play.
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Described as “Mr Champions League,” an incredible threat on the left wing, technically gifted and a Ballon d’Or contender.
- Ismaelo Ganiou (Lens): A strong, quick, and physical 21-year-old centre-back, expected to move to a big Premier League club.
- Donyell Malen (Roma): Scoring almost a goal per game, he is expected to return to his best level with Roma back in the Champions League.
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich): On a campaign to win the Ballon d’Or, his level is not expected to drop as Bayern’s style suits him.
- Lamine Yamal (Barcelona): A hungry teenager looking for more.
Champions League Highlights on BBC
For UK viewers, the BBC will again provide comprehensive highlights of the Champions League this season. Match highlights for every game will be available on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app from 22:00 BST on the Wednesday of Champions League weeks. Key moments will also be found in the Shorts tab on the BBC Sport app, alongside a special Champions League Match of the Day on BBC One at 22:40. Additionally, a highlights show covering Thursday’s matches will air on BBC Two at 22:30, with highlights dropping at 22:00 BST.
FAQ: Champions League 2026-27 Predictions
Who are the favourites to win the upcoming Champions League season?
According to expert Julien Laurens, Arsenal are favourites to win the Champions League, particularly due to their strong defence. Guillem Balague also sees Arsenal as a strong contender alongside PSG and Barcelona.
Which English teams are expected to perform well?
Arsenal are identified as favourites by one expert, having reached the runner-up spot last year. Manchester City is also named as a team with the potential to reach the semi-finals.
Will PSG win their third consecutive Champions League title?
Julien Laurens believes PSG will not achieve a third consecutive title, although he expects them to reach at least the semi-finals. Guillem Balague suggests their “irregular start to the season” makes maintaining their level difficult, but still expects them to get very close.
Sources