Paris Saint-Germain vs Celtic - 5 talking points

#1 For the first time in recent years, neither of Real Madrid or Barcelona are the favourites to win the UCL

The new favourites!

Call it a rather bold prediction or a rather obvious one. But Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City are quite simply put the two favorites to win the UEFA Champions League this season.

Yes, Real Madrid did create history by winning back-to-back titles and have retained the core of their squad while making a few good additions but given their wretched run of form this season, they are no longer the favourites. Yes, they still are one of the best teams and may well go on to win the competition, but they are no longer the team to beat - not this year, at least.

Barcelona's fortunes have been on the decline in the past few years and even though they have a defiant Lionel Messi, who has been winning them games on their own, and a rather pragmatic manager in Ernesto Valverde, they are far from being considered one of the favourites.

PSG and Manchester City, on the other hand, have failed to make their mark on the competition in recent years, but finally look good to have an extended run. Given their propensity to play devastating attacking football, the two teams are easily the two teams to beat this season and it wouldn't be a surprise if one or both of the teams reached the final.

Ever since the era of Messi and Ronaldo began, this is the first time that their teams are not the favourites to win the UEFA Champions League.