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#3 Paris Saint-Germain not to win the Champions League
"Too many crooks spoil the broth." It would be hyperbolic to suggest that a team with the likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Kylian Mbappe, Angel Di Maria, Marco Verratti and Achraf Hakimi won't play some great football.
But that doesn't mean that they can do it on a consistent basis. While having so many creators and goalscorers on the team looks great on paper, it does not always translate to success on the pitch. There is the obvious question of where Angel Di Maria might play now that Messi has arrived.
Di Maria has been key to PSG's exploits in Europe in recent times. Messi has also not seemed keen about dispensing his defensive duties in recent times. So he is likely to be a fixture in PSG's frontline. This will disrupt the partnership that Neymar has with Mbappe.
Pochettino has quite a few things to figure out before letting his star-studded ensemble take to the pitch in the Champions League. Unless he can work out a one-of-a-kind blueprint, PSG won't win the Champions League this term despite being the favourites.
#2 Borussia Dortmund to be the darkhorses
At this point, having Erling Haaland on the team is a cheat code. Several European giants have acknowledged that fact and that's why they were all ready to queue up for his signature in the summer.
But Borussia Dortmund held on to their prized asset and for good reason. The Norwegian international has got off to a great start to the 2021-22 season as well. He has already scored eight goals in six appearances across all competitions.
Haaland has a terrific supporting cast to aid him. There's the world-class Marco Reus and the excellent Julian Brandt playing right behind him. A midfield of Axel Witsel, Jude Bellingham and Mahmoud Dahoud can go toe-to-toe with the best in the business.
Dortmund are drawn in Group C with Besiktas, Ajax and Sporting Lisbon where they are the favourites to emerge as the toppers. While the matches could be entertaining, Dortmund seem to be the superior side in the group.
#1 Jack Grealish to be the best player
This summer, Manchester City went on to sign Jack Grealish, one of the most creative players in the Premier League. He has already created 13 chances from open play in the Premier League in just four appearances. No player in Europe's top 5 leagues have created more.
He is still settling down at the new club and once he hits his stride, the sky is the limit for the Englishman. Grealish is a technically refined attacking midfielder who loves taking defenders on. His directness will add an edge to Manchester City's attack.
Alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Grealish is expected to form a combination that could be as deadly as the one the Belgian formed with a certain David Silva. Manchester City are expected to have a great run in the Champions League and Grealish will be at the heart of it all.
