Home of football statistics and historyThe English Premier League’s five representatives will head into the 2026/27 Champions League with a major point to prove.
Teams from the so-called ‘best league in the world’ have lifted the prestigious trophy on just six occasions since the turn of the century.
Despite that record, Premier League teams fill four of the first eight places in the outright betting market for the Champions League this season.
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With that in mind, read on as we assess whether any of England’s quintet of teams can emerge victorious in the Champions League this season.
Arsenal
Arsenal came agonisingly close to winning the Champions League last season, but were defeated on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
The Gunners will believe they can go one better after strengthening their squad this summer, but they are a risky betting proposition.
Mikel Arteta has assembled a squad which functions at a high level. However, Arsenal lack the sprinkle of stardust which Champions League winners need.
The reigning Premier League champions will probably make another deep run in the competition, but will come up short when the chips are down.
Manchester City
Pep Guardiola’s decision to step down as Manchester City manager has raised questions about whether the club will continue to be successful.
Former Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been tasked with guiding City into a new era and it will be intriguing to see how he fares.
As Manchester United found out to their cost after Sir Alex Ferguson retired in May 2013, replacing a managerial legend is not easy.
City have a squad which should be capable of winning the Champions League. Whether they have a manager who can achieve the feat is open for debate.
Manchester United
United’s resurgence during the second half of last season under manager Michael Carrick culminated with them qualifying for the Champions League.
The Red Devils are now under pressure to demonstrate they can build on those foundations. Their defeat at Hull City in their league opener suggests that may be easier said than done.
After strengthening their attacking options last year, United have focused on their midfield this summer. However, their defence is not up to scratch.
Progressing to the knockout stage should be an achievable aim for United in the Champions League, but that will be as good as it gets.
Aston Villa
Any hopes Aston Villa had of building on their fourth placed finish in the Premier League last season have been shattered by prohibitive financial rules.
Villa have been forced to sell several key members of their squad this summer to comply with the regulations. Winning the Champions League is no longer a realistic target.
Last year’s Europa League winners will feel like the deck is stacked against them and it is impossible to disagree with that stance.
Villa should be capable of reaching the knockout play-off round, but further progression will be determined by who they face at that stage of the competition.
Liverpool
After winning the Premier League title in 2024/25, Liverpool’s deficiencies were brutally laid bare at home and abroad last season.
The Reds ended the campaign fifth in the standings, while PSG ended their interest in the Champions League in the quarter-finals.
Liverpool look destined to endure another underwhelming campaign after failing to address glaring holes in their squad during the summer transfer window.
Reaching the last-16 in Europe may be the limit of what they achieve this term.
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