Manchester City Favored to Win UEFA Champions League Ahead of Knockout Phase

The UEFA Champions League returns next Tuesday after more than two months without any action. Following an eventful group stage, just 16 teams remain in contention for the famous trophy.

As we head into the knockout phase, Manchester City is the bookmakers’ favorite to win the UCL in 2022. Pep Guardiola’s men come up against Portuguese side Sporting CP in the last 16.

But with the likes of Bayern Munich, Liverpool, Chelsea, and PSG also in the running, can they Cityzens fend off their rivals and FINALLY get their hands on the elusive silverware?

It is no real surprise that all the leading soccer betting sites view Man City as the favorite to lift the trophy. After all, Guardiola’s men have won 12 of their previous 13 Premier League games.

Let’s not forget that City lost the 2021 UCL final to EPL rival Chelsea. Although the Blues are not favored to defend their crown, they are still among the bookies’ frontrunners to go all the way this year.

Liverpool is also expected to mount a serious challenge for the trophy, having won the Champions League back in 2019. PSG, Ajax, Real Madrid, and Manchester United are in the mix, too.

Juventus (26.00), Atletico Madrid (41.00), Inter Milan (51.00), Villarreal (101.00), Benfica (151.00), Lille (201.00), Red Bull Salzburg (301.00), and Sporting (301.00) complete the UCL odds list.

The standout tie of the round is undoubtedly PSG’s clash against Real Madrid. Inter Milan and Liverpool’s matchup also promises to be an epic battle between two European heavyweights.

It’s fair to say that Man City has a favorable tie against Sporting. That is one of the many reasons why the bookies favor Guardiola’s side secure the title in Russia on May 28.

Ever since Guardiola arrived at the Etihad Stadium back in 2016, the club has continued to go from strength to strength. But one piece of silverware has eluded them.

The Cityzens have won three of the past four EPL titles and are well on their way to wrapping up a fourth crown in five seasons. However, they have yet to get their hands on the Champions League trophy.

Not only have they lost just two of their 23 Premier League outings, but they have also won 12 of their previous 13. Better still, they have conceded a measly 14 league goals this season.

Yes, Man City lost the 2021 Champions League final to Chelsea. But judging by their performances over the past few months, there is no reason why they can’t go one better this time around.

As the bookies’ odds suggest, Bayern Munich is Man City’s nearest challenger. But that’s not to say that Liverpool and Chelsea can’t outplay the two frontrunners and go all the way this year.

You would be foolish to write off PSG, too. Featuring a front three of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Neymar, the Parisians will be confident of beating any team that stands in their way.

In truth, any number of sides could lift the trophy this season. At 17.00, Real Madrid – the most successful club in UCL history – looks like an excellent outside bet.

If you’re planning to wager on the round of 16, be sure to check out our betting preview.