Champions League 2026-27 Preview

The Champions League is back this week with many of the world's best players once again looking to light up the competition.

Only one team will come away with the trophy at the beginning of June and it's now time to see who I think the winner will be.

AEK ATHENS

MANAGER: Marko Nikolic

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 1969

KEY PLAYER: Luka Jovic

The former Real Madrid striker has resurrected his career since joining the greek champions as his total of 21 goals in all competitions last season showed. He'll be facing Real during the league phase and will be determined to prove that they should've given him a chance.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They don't have the quality or the experience in this competition that most of the other teams have. Because of this I think they'll go out early.

ARSENAL

MANAGER: Mikel Arteta

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up x2 - 2006 and 2026

KEY PLAYER: Declan Rice

Rice has developed into one of the best midfielders in recent seasons and is surely now right up there among the best. He's taken Arsenal onto another level since he's been at the club due to his leadership, energy and tenacity on the pitch and all three will be key if the Gunners are to go one better this season.

PREDICTION: Semi Finals

Losing the final last season could motivate them to go one better this season and especially with the strength of squad they have. But I think they'll fall short again.

ASTON VILLA

MANAGER: Unai Emery

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1982

KEY PLAYER: John McGinn

McGinn has developed into a brilliant all-round midfielder since he's been at Villa and especially his Unai Emery has been his manager. He was one of their standout performers during their Europa League winning campaign last season and with Villa having lost a lot of their big players during the summer, they'll be looking to him to step up with moments of quality.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

Repeating their feat from two seasons ago will be tough and especially after losing most of their best players. They do have a top manager in charge but after losing most of their best players, making the knockouts seems like a big ask.

ATLETICO MADRID

MANAGER: Diego Simeone

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up x3 - 1974, 2014 and 2016

KEY PLAYER: Alexander Sorloth

Sorloth can be a handful to play against on his day as he's big physical and good in the air. The former Crystal Palace striker is the kind of striker Diego Simeone likes to have in his team and with Julian Alvarez likely to be effected by not getting a move away, Sorloth may be the one who steps up with the goals.

PREDICTION: Last 16/Quarter Finals

They're side who are never to be underestimated as they have shown many times over the years. They'll definitely reach the knockout rounds because of the manager they have but I don't see them threaten the latter stages despite reaching the semi finals last season.

BARCELONA

MANAGER: Hansi Flick

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x5 - 1992, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015

KEY PLAYER: Lamine Yamal

Yamal is already among Europe's elite at the age of just 19 and last season he took his game onto another level. If he can show repeat that form this season, Barca could end their 12 year wait for a European Cup and he could win his first Ballon D'or.

PREDICTION: Semi Finals

They'll definitely be among the favourites and especially after the signings they made over the summer including Rodri. But do they have the mentality to go over the line on the biggest stage?

BAYERN MUNICH

MANAGER: Vincent Kompany

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x6 - 1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013 and 2020

KEY PLAYER: Harry Kane

Kane took goal scoring to a whole new level last season and is arguably the best all-round striker in world football. If he can stay fit and continue scoring goals at the rate he has done in recent seasons, Bayern have a very good chance of going all the way.

PREDICTION: Semi Finals

They're definitely contenders and especially with the attacking quality they possess. But they might fall short at the final hurdle as they have done in recent seasons.

BODO/GLIMT

MANAGER: Kjetil Knutsen

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Last 16 - 2026

KEY PLAYER: Patrick Berg

Berg has everything you want from a midfield player in that he can do both sides of the game and to great effect. He can play anywhere in midfield including as both a no.6 and a no.8 and his all-round game will be key if Bodo are to replicate what they did last season.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They were the surprise package last season and could be again this season. Replicating it will be tricky but if they can use their underdog mentality to good effect, they could cause some more susprises.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND

MANAGER: Niko Kovac

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1997

KEY PLAYER: Serhou Guirassy

Guirassy has been one of the best strikers in Europe over the last couple of seasons and it's incredible that Dortmund have managed to keep hold of him. He was the joint top goal scorer two seasons ago and if Dortmund are to have any chance of going far, they'll need him to deliver that form.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They have a good squad on paper and should have more than enough quality to reach the knockout rounds. But it's at that stage where I see them falling short.

CLUB BRUGGE

MANAGER: Ivan Leko

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 1978

KEY PLAYER: Hans Vanaken

He might be heading towards the latter years of his career, but Vanaken is still capable of making a difference for his team. He chips in with crucial goals when his team need them and can run a game from midfield with his vision and ability to win the ball back for his team.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They have done well in this competition since the new format came in and better than a lot of people have expected. But I think they'll just miss out as the competition looks stronger this season.

COMO

MANAGER: Cesc Fabregas

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: N/A

KEY PLAYER: Nico Paz

Paz scored 12 goals in Serie A last season as Como qualifed for this competition and is set for a bright future in the game at the age of 21. If Como are to give this competition a good shot, they'll need him to deliver the form he showed in Serie A last season.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

Theyve been on such a great journey over the last few seasons and it's incredible to see them in a competition as big as the Champions League. With an exciting young manager in charge along with some talented players in their squad, they could cause some surprises.

FENERBAHCE

MANAGER: Ismail Kartal

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 2008

KEY PLAYER: Marco Asencio

Asencio has won this competition 5 times with 4 of them coming from his time at Real Madrid. The experience he has in this competition will be a big plus for Fenerbahce ahead of their first season back in Europe's top club competition in as many years.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They've got a good number of players in their squad who have played in this competition before and their experience will be a big bonus for them. Because of this I think they'll reach the knockout rounds.

FEYENOORD

MANAGER: Giovanni Van Bronkhorst

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1970

KEY PLAYER: Gjivai Zechiel

Zechiel impressed whilst on loan at Utrecht last season and has carried that form into this season. He's already a major part of Van Bronkhorst's plans and if he can carry his early season form into Europe, Feyenoord could reach the knockout rounds.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They have some good and exciting young players in their squad who could make their mark in this competition. But I don't see them making the knockouts because they don't have the quality that other sides have.

GALATASARAY

MANAGER: Okan Buruk

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Semi Finals - 1989

KEY PLAYER: Victor Osimhen

Osimhen has been one of the best strikers in Europe for the last four to five seasons and it's amazing that he's not at one of the top clubs. The Turkish champions always stand a chance with him leading their attack because of the lethal finisher he is.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They'll definitely be one of the dark horses like they were last season because of the quality of players they have. Because of this they can definitely surprise a few and reach the knockouts.

INTER MILAN

MANAGER: Cristian Chivu

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x3 - 1964, 1965 and 2010

KEY PLAYER: Lautaro Martinez

Martinez remains Inter's talisman as his goal returns throughout his time at the club can show. He scored 17 times in Serie A last season as Inter won the title and if inter are to go far, they'll need him fit and among the goals.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

They've reached the final twice in the last three seasons and could do so again as they look the best equipped Italian side to go far. With some good signings made over the summer, they could threaten the latter stages.

LASK

MANAGER: Dietmar Kuhbauer

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Qualifying Play Off - 2020

KEY PLAYER: Moses Usor

Usor was LASK's top goal scorer last season and impressed in their qualifying play off comeback win over Celtic. He'll be their main attacking outlet like he was in the Austrian Bundesliga last season because of his pace, agility and ability to both create and score goals.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They don't have the quality or experience to compete in this competition. Because of this, I can see them head out early.

LILLE

MANAGER: Davide Ancelotti

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Last 16 x3 - 2007, 2022 and 2025

KEY PLAYER: Ayase Ueda

Lille lacked a consistent goal scorer last season and they have exactly that in Ueda. He scored 26 times in all competitions last season for Feyenoord and is a striker who will cause defenders problems with his pace and sharp movements.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They have some talented young players in their squad but an unproven manager with a lot to live up to. Because of the latter and other teams being stronger, I think they'll fall short of the knockout rounds.

LIVERPOOL

MANAGER: Andoni Iraola

BEST FINISH: Winners x6 - 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005 and 2019

KEY PLAYER: Dominik Szoboszlai

Szoboszlai is the reds' Mr Reliable as he always puts in a shift for his team wherever he is asked to play including right back. He's quite possibly the reds' best all-round midfielder since Steven Gerrard because of his work rate and energy without the ball.

PREDICTION: Last 16

There do have one or two issues and especially in midfield and defence. But they should still have enough in them to reach at least the knockout rounds.

MAN CITY

MANAGER: Enzo Maresca

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 2023

KEY PLAYER: Erling Haaland

Haaland has a prolific record in this competition with 57 goals from 58 games which is absolutely incredible. City always have a chance with someone like him up top because of the goal scoring monster he is.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

Pep may be gone, but they still have a lot of quality in their side which should be enough for them to reach the knockout rounds. But I see them falling short of reaching the latter stages due to the quality of sides they could be up against.

MAN UNITED

MANAGER: Michael Carrick

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x3 - 1968, 1999 and 2008

KEY PLAYER: Bruno Fernandes

Fernandes has carried United pretty much ever since he arrived at the club and has been one of the best midfielders in Europe during that time. He's yet to show it on the biggest stage though and this season is his best chance to do so now he's in his prime.

PREDICTION: Last 16

Being back in this competition will definitely test them because it's one big step up from the Premier League. Because of this I don't see them going very far.

NAPOLI

MANAGER: Massimiliano Allegri

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 2023

KEY PLAYER: Scott McTominay

McTominay has been a completely different player since joining Napoli and he enjoyed another productive season last season. His ability to break into the box and score goals will be key if Napoli are to reach the knockout stages.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They were massively disappointing last season given the high expectations placed on them. But they should fare better this season as they have more favourable fixtures and a good manager in charge.

PSV

MANAGER: Peter Bosz

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1988

KEY PLAYER: Ricardo Pepi

Pepi was PSV's top goal scorer last season with 19 goals in all competitions and 16 of them came in their Eredivisie title win. He's a striker who can score a variety of goals in headers, close range finishes and volleys and if PSV are to reach the knockout rounds, they'll need to replicate last season's form in Europe.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They have more favourable fixtures this time round which gives them a chance of reaching the knockout rounds. But I still see them falling short again as the competition looks stronger this season.

PSG

MANAGER: Luis Enrique

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x2 - 2025 and 2026

KEY PLAYER: Kvicha Kvratskhelia

Kvaratskhelia was arguably PSG's best player last season and espeially in Europe as he was their top goal scorer with 10 goals. His game has gone onto another level since the joining the holders and if he can carry last season's form into this season, he could become the first Georgian to win the Ballon D'or.

PREDICTION: Winners

They'll again be the team to beat after winning this competition in each of the last two seasons. I can only see them winning it again because they seem to be getting better and better as a team.

PORTO

MANAGER: Francesco Farioli

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 2004

KEY PLAYER: Jakub Kiwior

Kiwior impressed whilst on loan with the Portuguese champions last season and was so good that his loan was turned into a permanent deal. He's a defender who can play at both left back and centre back and one who rarely dives in for tackles.

PREDICTION: Last 16

They're that side who always reached the knockour rounds but never threaten the latter stages. I can only see it being the same again because they don't have the star quality that other teams have.

RB LEIPZIG

MANAGER: Martin Demichelis

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Semi Finals - 2020

KEY PLAYER: Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku is back at Leipzig on loan in an attempt to revitalise his career following a tough few seasons. He showed a lot of promise during his last season at the club and he'll be hoping that a return to a more familar surrounding will help him get his career back on track.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They were once the surprise package in this competition but those days have been long gone for some time. They can definitely push for the knockout stages but with some tough fixtures, I think they'll fall short.

REAL BETIS

MANAGER: Manuel Pellegrini

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Group Stage - 2006

KEY PLAYER: Antony

The former Man United winger has rediscovered himself at Betis and is looking more like the player he was at Ajax. His end product has improved a lot since joining the club and has become an important player for them as a result of this.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They have some well known players in their squad with some of them having played in the Champions League before. But their squad still doesn't have the quality to compete at this level and because of this I see them going out early.

REAL MADRID

MANAGER: Jose Mourinho

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x15 - 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022 and 2024

KEY PLAYER: Kylian Mbappe

Real might not be as well balanced with Mbappe in the team, but his goal record since joining the club is still incredible. He joined Real specifically to win the Champions League and he'll be determined to get his hands on the trophy this season after watching his former side PSG win it in each of the last two seasons.

PREDICTION: Quarter Finals

They're no longer the team they used to be as they no longer have the same leaders or characters in the dressing room. You can never write them off because of their record in this competition and the talented players they have, but will they come together as a team?

ROMA

MANAGER: Gian Piero Gasperini

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 1984

KEY PLAYER: Manu Kone

Kone impressed for France at the World Cup during the summer and was strongly linked with a move to Chelsea during the transfer window. He has everything you want from an all-round midfielder in the ability to win the ball back for your team and carry the ball up the pitch.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

Gasperini worked wonders in this competition with Atalanta and can do so again with arguably a stronger squad. But with the competition arguably looking stronger this season, they might just fall short.

SABAH

MANAGER: Valdas Dambrauskas

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: N/A

KEY PLAYER: Joy-Lance Mickels

Mickels was the top scorer in the Azerbaijan Premier League last season with 19 goals and they all played a key role in Sabah winning the title. He'll need to carry that form into Europe if the Azerbaijani champions are to stand a chance.

PREDICTION: League Phase

This will be their first ever season in this competition and will therefore lack Champions League experience as a result of it. Because of this alongside a lack of top level quality, I see them going out early.

SHAKHTAR DONETSK

MANAGER: Arda Turan

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 2011

KEY PLAYER: Mykola Matviyenko

Matviyenko is Shakhtar's captain and his expereince will be massively important if they're to reach the knockout rounds. Very few attacking players can get past him when he's on it because of his positioning and reading of the game.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They'll make it difficult for teams as they have done in this competition over the years. But they don't have the quality at the other end to hurt teams and because of this I see them falling short of the knockout stages.

SLAVIA PRAGUE

MANAGER: Jindrich Trpisovsky

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Group/League Phase x3 - 2008, 2020 and 2025

KEY PLAYER: Tomas Chory

Chory was Slavia's top goal scorer last season with all 17 of his goals coming in the Czech League which they went on to win. He's a striker who can score variety of goals and if Slavia are to reach the knockout stages, they'll need him to repeat his league form.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They'll be massive underdogs in this competition because they don't have the quality that most of the other sides have. Because of this I see them going out early again.

SLOVAN BRATISLAVA

MANAGER: Yaya Toure

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: League Phase - 2025

KEY PLAYER: Andraz Sporar

Sporar was the Slovakian's champions' top goal scorer last season with 12 as they won the Slovak League and is also their captain. Slovan don't have many goals in their side so they'll need their captain to step up and deliver them if they're to stand a chance of reaching the knockout stages.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They haven't got the quality to compete at this level or any experienced players at this level. Because of this I think they'll head home early.

SPORTING LISBON

MANAGER: Lui Borges

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals x2 - 1983 and 2026

KEY PLAYER: Luis Suarez

Suarez had a breakout season last season by scoring 38 goals in all competitions which was the most of any player playing outside of Europe's top five leagues. If he can repeat that kind of form in Europe, Sporting could reach the the knockout rounds.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

Repeating last season's feat of rwching the Quarter Finals will be tough as epsecially as the competition looks stronger this season. Because of this they just fall short of a knockout spot.

STUTTGART

MANAGER: Sebastian Hoeness

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Last 16 - 2010

KEY PLAYER: Denis Undav

Undav scored 19 times in the Bundesliga last season with only Harry Kane scoring more as Stuttgart book their spot in this competition. They'll need him to replicate that form in Europe if they're to reach the knockout rounds.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They could surprise some people like they did in the Bunmdesliga last season where they finished 4th. But it's a big ask as the Champions League is one big step up.

VIKING

MANAGER: Bjarte Lunde Aarsheim and Morten Jensen

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: 1st Qualifying Round x7 - 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1981, 1984 and 1993

KEY PLAYER: Peter Christiansen

Christiansen is currently Viking's top goal scorer this season with 10 goals in all competitions so far and it was his goals last season that won them the Norweigian league. Viking will be massive underdogs in this competition and if they're to cause some surprises, they'll need their star striker to deliver the goals.

PREDICTION: League Phase

They'll arguably be the main underdogs this season because of it being their first season at this stage of Europe's top club competition. Because their squad lacks quality and experience at this level, I can see them going out early.

VILLARREAL

MANAGER: Inigo Perez

BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Semi Finals x2 - 2006 and 2022

KEY PLAYER: Ayoze Perez

The Enlgish clubs will know a lot about Perez from his time in the Premier League with Newcastle and Leicester respectively. He had a prolofic season with the Yellow Submarine last season by scoring 22 times in all competitions and is a striker who can play anywhere across the frontline including as a no.9 and as a no.10.

PREDICTION: Knockout Play Off

They'll cause teams problems as they have some good attacking players and will press teams high up the pitch. But as there are stronger teams than them in this competition, I see them falling just short of a place in the knockout rounds.