5 dark horses who can win the Champions League this season

The 2014/15 UEFA Champions League draw has been made and all the teams know who they’ll be facing in their respective groups. And of course, predictions have already been made as to which teams are the most likely to go all the way and win the coveted trophy. But there are a few teams that are not fancied enough to have what it takes to win the trophy, but could still have a good chance. Here are 5 teams that are the dark horses for this season and could spring a surprise.

#1 Arsenal

Arsenal may have qualified for the Champions League group stage for the 17th time in a row, but only once have they ever come close to winning the trophy, and that was way back in 2006. Their best chance was perhaps during the invincible season, but a shock defeat to Chelsea put paid to those ambitions. And while they make a beeline to the Round of 16 every year, they continue to get knocked out long before they reach the final. 

But they could spring a surprise this season, especially with the signing of Alexis Sanchez adding much needed pace to the frontline. Instead of signing youngsters for the future, this season has seen transfers of players who would go straight into the first team. Sanchez, Debuchy and Chambers have already had a huge impact in the nascent season, and could well turn out to make the difference for Arsenal in this year’s Champions League. With rumours in that the club is looking to sign Falcao, Carvalho and a backup defender, it could well be a case where Arsenal could be a team that is underestimated but will punch above their weight and win the trophy this time round.