Opta Supercomputer Backs Arsenal For Champions League Glory, De Bruyne Plays Down Conte Rift

The race for this season’s UEFA Champions League title is heating up, and the Opta SuperComputer has already tipped Arsenal as the team most likely to lift the trophy next year.

After two rounds of fixtures, Bayern Munich lead the new league-phase standings with six points, but they are not alone. Real Madrid, reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Arsenal and surprise package Qarabag have all collected maximum points so far.

Despite Bayern’s strong start, it is Mikel Arteta’s side who Opta believes could finally conquer Europe. The Gunners have been handed an 18.1 per cent chance of winning the Champions League, ahead of Liverpool at 14.7 per cent. PSG, who lifted their first-ever European crown in June, follow closely with a 14 per cent probability of retaining their title.

For Arsenal fans, the projection is further evidence of how far the club has come under Arteta, with the Spaniard building a squad that now looks ready to challenge Europe’s elite.

Meanwhile, in Italy, Kevin De Bruyne has been forced to play down talk of a fallout with Napoli boss Antonio Conte.

The Belgian midfielder cut a frustrated figure when he was substituted in the 2-0 defeat to AC Milan last weekend, his fourth early withdrawal in just six matches since joining the club in the summer.

Conte had fired a warning after the incident, making it clear he was “the wrong person to pick a fight with.” But De Bruyne responded on the pitch in midweek, producing two assists for Rasmus Hojlund to inspire Napoli’s attack.

Speaking afterwards, the former Manchester City star dismissed any suggestion of a rift with his manager.

“I have no issues or problems with Antonio Conte, at all,” De Bruyne told reporters. “I’m a winner and I want to make a difference on the pitch, but there are zero problems with the coach.”

Source: Naijanews