Champions League betting preview: Arsenal backed ahead of Tottenham for European glory

Leicester were worthy winners of the Premier League – even though few people believed it possible at the start of last season - but the bookmakers have been quick to dismiss their chances of being crowned kings of Europe.

Claudio Ranieri’s side, who last tasted European action in 2000 when they were eliminated from the first round of the Europa Cup, are expected to be the worst-performing English side in the Champions League. BetVictor make them 80-1 to win the competition – almost seven times the price of Manchester City, who have yet to even reach the group stage.

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

Of the rest of the English contingent, Arsenal are 25s with Bet Victor for Champions League glory, while their north London rivals Tottenham have been priced at 33-1.

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

BetVictor believe City will not be troubled by Steaua Bucharest in their two-legged play-off. They have chalked up Guardiola’s side at 1-12 to progress and make them 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.

Celtic are another team who must win a play-off to reach the group stage. They are 1-2 to see off Hapoel Beer Sheva and 500-1 to win the Champions League.