Champions League Group Stages Review with bet365

The Champions League returns on Tuesday 15th September, with the pick of the action on opening night undoubtedly the clash between last year's Premier League runners-up Manchester City and Champions League runners-up Juventus. The Italian side managed to hold onto Paul Pogba in this summer's transfer window, despite reported interest from various clubs around the continent, and they'll need him to be at his best up against Yaya Touré in the City midfield. Both sides will be keen to get their campaigns off to a positive start, but the home side are the current favourites at 4/6 (1.66) with bet365.

On Wednesday 16th holders and favourites Barcelona have a tricky test away at AS Roma. As you would expect with the likes of Messi, Neymar and Suárez in attack, Barça are clear favourites in the match, with the away win currently priced at 1/2 (1.50) with bet365.

There are 16 matches over Tuesday and Wednesday, and if you're looking for a big return from your betting you can place an accumulator at bet365. The Euro Soccer Bonus means that you'll receive a bonus of up to 100% on top of your winning Champions League accumulators (from 5% for a winning treble up to 100% for a winning 14-fold).

With so much at stake and teams wanting to avoid defeat in their openers there could be a few cagey matches taking place, so the Bore Draw Money Back offer will surely come into play. If you want to place a Correct Score, Half-Time/Full-Time or Scorecast bet on any match this season then bet365 is the place to do this, as any losing bets on these markets will be refunded in cash should the match finish goalless.

In the outright betting, Barcelona could become the first club in the Champions League era to retain the trophy, and are priced at 3/1 (4.00) to do this. Joining them in the front three of the betting are Bayern Munich at 4/1 (5.00) and Real Madrid at 5/1 (6.00). Of the English contingent Chelsea are shortest price at 10/1 (11.00) to lift the trophy, with Man City at 12/1 (13.00), Man United at 16/1 (17.00) and Arsenal at 20/1 (21.00). Last year's Europa League winners Sevilla, who have excellent European pedigree, are a tempting each-way bet at 66/1 (67.00).

The Top Scorer market is dominated by Barcelona and Real Madrid players, with Lionel Messi the 5/2 (3.50) favourite, Cristiano Ronaldo second favourite at 11/4 (3.75), then Suárez and Neymar at 8/1 (9.00) and 12/1 (13.00) respectively.

Other Outright Markets on offer include Group Betting, Group Qualification and Nationality of Winner.

If you haven't yet got a bet365 account, then the Account Opening Bonus gives you a great bankroll to start your Champions League betting. A 100% bonus is available on your first deposit, and furthermore an additional 100% On The Move Bonus is on offer when you place your first mobile bet with bet365.