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Arun - October 7, 2024
Dark Horses in the 2024/25 Champions League: Group Stage Predictions
The 2024/25 Champions League campaign is set to be another thrilling instalment of Europe’s top football competition, with the usual suspects like Real Madrid and Manchester City leading the charge. Both clubs are seen as the clear favourites, with sportsbooks offering odds of +275 for each to lift the coveted trophy. However, as the group stages approach, a few dark horses may offer value to those who like to take a gamble on the underdogs.
For risk-loving bettors, backing some of these teams to defy the odds and progress is enticing—and can even be made sweeter by utilising offers like the BC Game deposit bonuses to add some cushion to your betting budget.
PSV Eindhoven have flown under the radar in recent seasons, but their current form suggests they could surprise a few people in the Champions League. Having kicked off the Eredivisie with five consecutive wins, scoring an impressive 20 goals along the way, PSV are full of confidence heading into Europe’s elite competition.
Though the Champions League is a different beast, PSV showed last season that they can compete with clubs from Europe’s top leagues, finishing second in a group featuring Arsenal, Sevilla, and Lens. This experience, coupled with the form of key players like Johan Bakayoko and Luuk de Jong, could give them an edge in the 2024/25 campaign. A favorable group draw means that they’ll face winnable matches against Girona and Brest, while tougher challenges against Liverpool and Juventus lie in wait.
For PSV, the key to advancing lies in maximizing points against the weaker opposition. A couple of draws against the bigger sides could be enough to secure their passage to the next stage.
Celtic have struggled to make an impact in the Champions League in recent years, often finding themselves paired with Europe’s elite in the group stage. However, the 2024/25 campaign offers a more balanced draw for the Scottish champions, and they could finally break their European drought. Brendan Rodgers’s return as manager has brought a renewed sense of purpose to the club, and their domestic form has been rock solid, with Celtic yet to concede a goal in the Scottish Premiership this season.
What makes this year different for Celtic is the relative openness of their group. While they’ll still face difficult games against Borussia Dortmund, Leipzig, and Atalanta, they’ve avoided the traditional giants of the tournament. The real opportunity lies in matches against Young Boys, Slovan Bratislava, and Dinamo Zagreb—teams Celtic are more than capable of beating.
After more than 40 years away from the Champions League, Aston Villa are back, and they’re not just here to make up the numbers. Under Unai Emery, Villa have been revitalized, with the Spaniard guiding them to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League last season, earning their ticket to Europe. Emery’s track record in continental competitions is nothing short of exceptional, and Villa’s return to the Champions League is one of the more intriguing storylines of the season.
Villa have been drawn into a challenging group, with matches against Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig likely to test them to the limit. But it’s not all doom and gloom for the Birmingham club. They’ll also face Young Boys, Bologna, and Monaco—opponents Villa are more than capable of beating.
One of Villa’s biggest assets is goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, fresh off his Golden Glove win at the 2024 Copa América. His presence at the back will give Villa a solid foundation to build on, and Emery’s tactical acumen should see them approach each game with a clear plan.
While clubs like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich remain the overwhelming favourites, the 2024/25 Champions League group stage offers fertile ground for unexpected narratives. PSV Eindhoven’s attacking momentum, Celtic’s favourable draw, and Aston Villa’s return under a European specialist all present fascinating possibilities.
