Bayern Munich are red-hot favourites at 1/6 to claim a 10th straight German title under new boss Julian Nagelsmann in bwin’s Bundesliga winner odds. The Bavaria-born 33-year-old earned rave reviews for his work with Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig.
Inter Milan are 2/1 in bwin’s Serie A winner odds after enduring a turbulent off-season since their runaway title triumph. Despite finishing 18 points clear at the top of the table, the Nerazzurri parted company with Antonio Conte, reportedly due to cost-cutting measures.
Real Madrid are 5/4 joint-favourites in bwin’s La Liga winner odds after bringing back Carlo Ancelotti for a second spell as head coach. The 62-year-old Italian led the Whites to Champions League glory in 2014 and returns following an 18-month stint in charge of Everton.
With several of Europe’s leading clubs in a transitional period this summer, we’ve taken a look at which past seasons have seen the biggest exoduses of title-winning players and how it affected each team’s performances in the following years.
Newport are back at Wembley and looking to go one better than two years ago when they conceded in the last minute of extra time against Tranmere. This time Morecambe are their opponents in the League Two play-off final, with the Exiles appearing here for the fifth time in under a decade.
In arguably the most competitive League One season in recent memory, Blackpool and Lincoln are left standing with 90 minutes keeping them from the Championship. The Seasiders, once a breath of fresh air in the top flight under Ian Holloway, have won five of their last six games.
The richest game in football is here again, with Brentford in it for the second season in a row after their Championship play-off final defeat to Fulham a year ago. Swansea are looking for a Premier League return after a three-year absence, in a re-run of last year’s semi-final.
Sheffield United have badly missed their home fans this season and can show what might have been by celebrating their return with a win over Burnley. Both teams have nothing to play for except pride, so the backing of even a reduced crowd at Bramall Lane could prove significant.
Leeds have shown the benefit of a superb fitness regime and shrewd rotation policy to finish the season looking fresh and full of energy. The Whites will be seeking a fourth straight Premier League victory when entertaining a relegated West Brom side without a win in six outings.
Swansea’s Andre Ayew struck the only goal in the first leg at Oakwell and Steve Cooper’s side will be looking to build on their slender advantage. The Swans have won all three encounters against Barnsley this season and are now strong favourites to book a place in the Wembley final.
West Brom may be down but they are not out of energy or enthusiasm, judged on Sunday’s Premier League display versus Liverpool. If Albion are able to put in a similar shift on Wednesday night, they are capable of competing with a faltering West Ham outfit.
Newcastle seem to be really enjoying themselves at present and get the nod to see off Sheffield United at St James’ Park. The Blades appear determined to salvage some pride from a miserable Premier League campaign but may just be outgunned if this game opens up.
Liverpool were back on fire as an attacking force when beating Man Utd and will now be expected to brush aside West Brom. The Reds know that three more wins to finish off the season will earn them a Champions League spot and Jurgen Klopp will call for more clinical finishing up front.
Everton are still in the hunt for a Europa League place and that should prove enough of an incentive to see off Sheffield United. The relegated Blades have lost seven of their last eight Premier League matches, with Paul Heckingbottom’s side scoring just two goals in those games.