Champions League betting: Another Leicester surprise is ruled out with City expected to fare best of English clubs

Bookmakers don't expect Leicester to repeat their Premier League heroics in Europe this season

Alex Constantinou
in association with BetVictor
Tuesday 16 August 2016 10:14 BST
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The Champions League trophy was lifted by Real Madrid last season
The Champions League trophy was lifted by Real Madrid last season (Getty)

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The bookmakers have been quick to dismiss Leicester’s chances of being crowned kings of Europe, even though they were worthy winners of the Premier League last season.

The Foxes, who last tasted European action in 2000 when they were knocked out of the Europa Cup in the first round, are expected to fare worst of the English sides in the Champions League. They are 80-1 with BetVictor to win the competition – almost seven times the price of Manchester City, who must win a play-off to reach the group stage.

City trade at 12-1 – and their manager Pep Guardiola knows how to go all the way in the competition, having won it twice as coach of Barcelona.

Of the rest of the English sides involved, Arsenal are 25s with Bet Victor for Champions League glory, while Tottenham have been priced at 33-1.

The usual suspects are at the top of the market. The 10-3 favourites are five-time winners Barcelona, with Bayern Munich next best at 4-1 and Real Madrid, the reigning champions, 9-2. The next teams in the list are 12-1 shots Juventus and City.

BetVictor believe City will not be troubled by Steaua Bucharest in their two-legged play-off. They make Guardiola’s side 1-12 to progress and 9-20 to win the first leg in Romania. Steaua, who have won the Romanian title 26 times, are 13-2 to prevail at home and the draw is 18-5. BetVictor also offer 11-5 on City winning each half of the first leg.

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