The renewed UEFA Champions League has already provided a number of real surprises in its first season.
The revamped tournament now features 36 competition-style teams, with the top eight teams progressing directly to the Round of 16.
While outsiders including Lille, Brest and Aston Villa battle for automatic qualification to the knockout stages, the biggest shock will be seeing Real Madrid and 2023 winners Manchester City fight for an early elimination.
But former Arsenal midfielder and NetBet chief Ray Parlor is backing the European giants to turn around their poor form and even lift the trophy at Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena on May 31.
“So far it's been a lot of fun and very competitive,” said the ex-Gunner. “The new format gives smaller teams a chance to do well. You also see some of the more sought-after teams struggling to crack the top eight.
“The last round will be very interesting to see the movement in the positions of teams who want to reach the top eight and also qualify for the play-offs.
“You can never rule out Real Madrid. They are the most often the winners of the competition and are always a major threat when it comes to the knockout rounds. They have Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and many other top players who know how to win the league.
'Just like Real Madrid, you can never rule out Man City.'
“They are still a big threat in this competition because they know how to win it. Even though Rodri is out, they have plenty of options if they can regain full confidence.
“With Haaland up front you always have a chance and the quality of Foden and De Bruyne cannot be underestimated. If their League form dips further, the Champions League could be their main target to put their full focus on.”
Liverpool are currently 4/1 favorites with NetBet to win the Champions League for the seventh time in their history.
Both Real Madrid and Arsenal are 6/1 among the online gambling giants, while Barcelona are 13/2, Bayern Munich and Manchester City are 7/1, and Inter Milan are 16/1.
Outsiders Bayer Leverkusen are 22/1 with NetBet, while Aston Villa, making their first appearance in the Champions League since 1982-83, is 40/1.
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“Liverpool are certainly at the top, and a great first half of the season has reduced their chances of going through and winning the Champions League,” Parlor added.
“Hopefully Saka comes back for the knockout stages of the Champions League and Arsenal have finished in the top eight and gone straight to the round of 16.
“If this happens, Arsenal have a chance to improve on last year's quarter-final and with a bit of luck with the draw they have a chance to win it.
“It will take luck, but Arsenal also have the defense to win the league. The most important thing is that all your best players are fit, and in good form, at the right time of the season.
“Inter Milan would be my dark horse for the Champions League this season. They started the season very strongly and were very strong defensively in the league.
“They beat Arsenal in one of their games and look very comfortable in the league, especially at home. They are hard to beat.”
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