- A supercomputer has predicted who will qualify for the Round of 16 and win the Champions League this season
- Arsenal beat Bayern Munich 3-1, while Chelsea thrashed Barcelona 3-0 in the biggest results of the round
- There are no big teams in danger of failing to qualify for the next round ahead of the third-last matches of the league phase
Opta’s supercomputer has published its latest set of predictions for the Champions League after match day five of the league phase concluded.
Source: Twitter
Arsenal and Chelsea were the biggest winners of the round after they recorded huge wins over European heavyweights, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, respectively.
Arsenal continued with their dominant performances, beating Bayern Munich 3-1 at the Arsenal Stadium on Wednesday night. Goals from Jurrien Timber, Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli did the damage for Mikel Arteta’s men.
A day earlier in West London, Chelsea swept aside Barcelona thanks to an own goal from Jules Kounde, Estevao and Liam Delap.
Other results of the round saw Liverpool hit a new low, losing to PSV Eindhoven 4-1 at Anfield. Other English sides in the competition also lost, Manchester City going down to Bayer Leverkusen, while Marseille beat Newcastle United.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain beat Tottenham Hotspur 5-3 while Atletico Madrid beat Inter Milan.
After the results, Arsenal now lead the pile with 15 out of 15 points, with PSG, Bayern Munich, Inter Milan and record champions Real Madrid all with 12 points. Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and Sporting Lisbon wrap up the automatic qualification spots.
Source: Twitter
Opta predicts Champions League winner
Opta’s supercomputer has backed Arsenal to go all the way and win the title next year. The Gunners have been given a 22.58% chance, just ahead of their victims on Wednesday, Bayern Munich, who have 19.02%.
PSG are in third place with 11.19% while Manchester City and Chelsea are in fourth and fifth with 8.36% and 6.25% respectively.
On the teams that will automatically qualify for the Round of 16, the supercomputer has backed Arsenal, Bayern Munich, PSG, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund.
Teams that finish between 9th and 24th will go to the one-legged knock-outs for a chance to qualify for the Round of 16.
Next Champions League fixtures
Next month, Liverpool will be away to last season’s finalists Inter Milan, while Real Madrid host Manchester City in the standout fixtures of the round.
Arsenal will be away to Club Brugge while Chelsea travel to Bergamo to play Atalanta. PSG will be in Spain to play Athletic Bilbao.
Supercomputer predicts Premier League winner
In the Premier League, the supercomputer has also backed Arsenal to win their first title since 2004.
The Gunners beat Tottenham Hotspur in the North London derby to go six points clear at the top after Manchester City lost to Newcastle United.
Chelsea, who Arsenal play this weekend, are in second place after beating Burnley.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
