The new Champions League season is upon us. Tuesday will bring the opening game of the 2018/19 edition of Europe's prestigious club tournament.
After months of waiting, fans will get to see the continent's crème de la crème battle it out for the glorious prize. The question is who will be crowned champion?
Real Madrid got their hands on the trophy for a third consecutive season back in May, but a few things have changed that may alter their odds of winning. Here are the favorites to go all way in the Champions League in 2018/19.
1. Barcelona
Positives
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Coutinho will be eligible.
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The additions of Vidal and Malcom, while confusing, will help with squad rotation.
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Dembele has stepped up and looks ready to impress this term.
Negative
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Their defense is almost identical to the one that threw away a 4-1 advantage vs Roma
Can they win it?
Definitely! However, they must shake of their habit of switching off in the quarter-finals. Their defense will be a worry, but Messi could inspire them to another success.
2. Liverpool
Positives
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In goal, Liverpool now has a capable custodian in the form of Alisson.
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The addition of Keita and the return of Gomez have bolstered the midfield and defense.
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The addition of Shaqiri will help should Salah suffer another nasty injury at an unfortunate stage.
Negative
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The Mane-Salah-Firmino trio is yet to resume tormenting opponents.
Can they win it?
The question on everyone's mind is whether last season was a fluke. While Salah and Firmino have taken a back seat to Mane so far this term, it's too early to pass judgment. The trio can easily surpass last season's feat and if they do, they could get their hands on the title.
3. PSG
Positives
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Neymar has promised to return a more mature man.
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Mbappe keeps going from strength to strength.
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Rumors of a rift between the top dogs have all but died.
Negative
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Tuchel's first season begins on a tough note against Liverpool and also Napoli.
Can they win it?
With Mbappe, Neymar, and Cavani leading the attack; PSG can win anything. However, they must reach perfection under their new boss. Until that happens, we can't see them going all the way.
4. Man City
Positives
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They don't look like stopping in England.
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Mahrez will add competition to an already star-studded side.
Negative
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Kevin De Bruyne's injury
Can they win it?
Guardiola's men came up short last season, losing to Liverpool in the quarter-final. Had they gone through, they would have had a good shot at the title. Expect them to go far this term as well.
5. Bayern Munich
Positives
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Kovac has begun the season well, winning every single Bundesliga game since taking charge of the Bavarians.
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Having been drawn against the likes of Benfica and Ajax, they shouldn't face a tough challenge to win the group.
Negative
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They will be without Tolisso and Rafinha for months.
Can they win it?
They were unlucky to crash out in the semi-final against Real Madrid last season. Now they have a manager with little experience in this competition, but there remains enough quality in the squad to lift the trophy.
6. Man United
Positives
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A number of players have begun the season well, such as Lukaku and Shaw.
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De Gea looks to shake of his World Cup nightmare and is returning to his best.
Negative
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The poor defense and rumors of rifts will undermine their season.
Can they win it?
Unfortunately, we don't see Mourinho guiding his side to the title. Qualifying for next season will probably be his first priority.
7. Real Madrid
Positives
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Benzema and Bale look sharp.
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The team has been performing more collectively instead of relying on one man.
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Courtois' addition should make them stronger.
Negative
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The big elephant in the room – Cristiano's exit.
Can they win it?
Yes, but it will be interesting to see how their fare without the man who inspired them to their three consecutive wins.
8. Juventus
Positives
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Cristiano Ronaldo, of course
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Bonucci is back at Juventus.
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Dybala has stayed and should only get better.
Negative
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It may be a surprise, but it's Cristiano.
Can they win it?
The addition of Ronaldo has changed the dynamic of the team. Allegri admitted at the beginning of the season that finding Cristiano's best position will need thinking, but should the master tactician find the best solution, they will definitely be a title contender.
