I actually don't like self-moderated topics. But unfortunately it has been necessary to update topics like this because of the increase in the number of low-quality posts on gambling board.

The teams that are joining the Champions League qualifiers have to start the season very early and this is making things really difficult for these teams. Actually I think that UEFA need to update this format a little. For example, the schedule can be tightened like the World Cup play-offs.

Fenerbahce team which I'm a fan of have got a draw against Dynamo Kiev. I think that Dynamo Kiev aren't going to be able to focus on their matches completely because of the war in Ukraine. Fenerbahce can be a few steps ahead of their opponent about qualifying for next round if they have a good coherence with their new manager Jorge Jesus.

@CLS63 Yeah, when I opened the threads in 2019, it was really because the original ones had been locked and creator left the forum (explained in OP of old threads). Also disliked self-moderated threads but now feel somewhat personally responsible that the threads I created are now spam magnets and I can't do much about them.

@Harko San Marino vs Andorra doesn't quite whet the appetite but teams from those leagues kicked off the season earlier today. Now Estonia vs Iceland at least should be sterner stuff.

To note, this is actually a preliminary round semifinal before the 1st qualifying round! Then they play the final, and then progress to the 1st round qualifying in July. I'm actually a little confused but anyway =)

I know most including myself look at qualifying rounds with disdain, but there was once upon a time Liverpool had to play all the qualifying rounds as holders of the 2004 edition... the first time a team that didn't qualify from the league played the competition (and after that, the exemption became the norm). So I do see the value in these games too Incidentally, in that edition, Levadia Talinn was also in the same round as Liverpool in the 1st qualifying round

Maybe we should start this with some sort of poll as well? That way we will see who thinks who will win it this year. As with every year, I still think that City will play for the finals and there is a good chance they could win. Looking at how fired up Klopp was during this year's finals and the result, I feel like a result where LFC and City plays for the UCL finals would be amazing and insane.

I know that there is a good chance they could face each other before that happens, but if they don't, and face on the finals that would be awesome. Imagine a season where City and LFC decide the EPL winner on the last game, play FA finals against each other, and UCL as well. That would be dream of all EPL fan.

@buwaytress, best thing to do with self moderated topic to limit repetitive posts. I would like to see a poll for Champions League winner for 2022/23 season. I know it is harder to do with EL and ECL but here is easier and it can be updated every period if necessary. The poll can look like :
- the winner will be a club from : EPL, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga, Ligue 1...
Or
- the winner will be : Real Madrid, City, Barcelona, Liverpool, Bayern, PSG, Chelsea, Juve...

Edit: First one to vote and I picked City. I think they could do it this time with Guardiola and Haaland!

Thanks. I don't see many members interacting yet, I think they are afraid from the self moderated topic but eventually they will join later once we get closer.

Cut the rest since I doubt they could advance to the finals unless there will be a very lucky draw for them. I find it funny to see Real Madrid odds like that although they are the champions of this version! BTW is this odds correct?
I have only a problem about Real place in this list, I prefer to put them after City and before Bayern with close odds between these clubs.

There is preliminary qualifying round final today between Inter Escalades and Vikingur. Game already started, Vikingur is heavy favorites, but score is 0:0 after 15 minutes. If score won't change for some time, live ML for Vikingur will be a good option.

---

About outrights odds, is just for me it looks weird that Real is so underrated? C'mon, PSG @6.54 and Real @11.68

I voted for City in the polls, not that i would have voted for another team even if i did consider that team to be favorites, i'm a City fan so i always think we are favorites to win every trophy, and in earnest we are. It is crazy though, how in the last three seasons or so everyone thought City would have won the Champions League, but we couldn't just get across that line, i sincerely hope this is the season we do manage to get across the finish line and finally lift that elusive trophy. But typical CL is always going to be tough, PSG are also in search for their first CL, Liverpool are also very strong, and then there is the champions Real Madrid, it is going to be as competitive as usual.

When is the drawing?

It should be pretty soon this year considering the world cup in the winter.

You are right, in recent years Manchester City and PSG have been constantly mentioned as the main favorites of the Champions League, but every time another club wins the Champions League, from Chelsea which was a somewhat unexpected Champions League winner, to Real, Bayern and Liverpool.
It just shows how very difficult it is to predict a Champions League winner and that big money can't guarantee success.
It looks like Manchester City with Haaland will be even stronger than last season but Pep still has to prove he can win the Champions League with some other club that is not the strongest Barcelona in history, with Messi, Iniesta and Xavi.
Somehow I have a feeling Real could make it to the finals again  

I must admit that I'm not surprised with Manchester City's being shown as the favourite team to win the title. They have a wonderful squad right now. The Erling Haaland transfer was completed much earlier than I expected. I waited for a tough race between some big teams to sign him actually. Manchester City still continue to strengthen their squad and they are close to signing Kalvin Phillips from Leeds. Guardiola wants to win this title to reach the biggest goal of the team but we will find out what happens. While they were doing that Liverpool signed a great player like Darwin Nunez also. It would be lovely to watch these players in the Champions League next season.