The domestic soccer season is well underway in Europe’s biggest leagues.
Manchester City is the early favorite in the Premier League, having won its opening eight games in all competitions.
City’s main rival, Manchester United, has made its own moves in an attempt to bounce back from back-to-back disappointing seasons.
Jose Mourinho’s arrival as manager was widely expected, but United also signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic and broke the world record fee of 105 million euros to sign French midfielder Paul Pogba.
Chelsea and Arsenal also start the season with high hopes of a title win.
Last season’s surprise champion Leicester City, along the likes of Tottenham and Liverpool, make this one of the most exciting seasons in Premier League history.
Things are a little less complicated elsewhere, with the “Big Three” the only real contenders in Spain. Barcelona boasts arguably the best attacking line ever assembled in club football, with Leo Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar all posting ridiculous numbers season after season.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, will look to build on last season’s Champions League triumph in an attempt to win La Liga, something they haven’t done since 2012.
Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo are the driving forces behind Zinedine Zidane’s success.
Atletico Madrid completes the trio of favorites; meanwhile, Sevilla and Villarreal will hope to spur a surprise and unsettle the top three at the top of the table.
Bayern Munich, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are the clear favorites in their leagues, respectively Germany, Italy and France.
If Barcelona’s attack is the one to fear, Bayern Munich has responded with an incredible defense, which boasts four World Cup winners, including Manuel Neuer, the world’s best goalkeeper.
Their main Bundesliga rival is Borussia Dortmund, who has scored 17 goals in its last three games.
Juventus, too, has already taken the lead in Series A.
The reigning champions are unlikely to let go of that lead any time soon.
Paris Saint-Germain has started somewhat slower in Ligue 1, perhaps still hurting from the departure of Ibrahimovic.
However, they will be in the driver’s seat soon.
Despite the Premier League being the most competitive league, the English teams have struggled recently in the UEFA Champions League.
Real Madrid (twice), Barcelona and Bayern Munich have won the Champions League during the last four seasons, and they are the early contenders for that title this season.
All three of these teams have what it takes to win the Cham- pions League, and barring any major surprises, they should at least make the semifinals.
Juventus and PSG are two other teams to keep an eye on, as they try to make the jump from domestic domination to international success.
Last year’s runner-up Atletico Madrid believes they have what it takes to get one step further this season.
Meanwhile last year’s semi-finalists Manchester City will be England’s best hope of success.
Whatever happens, it seems the 2016-2017 season is going to be one for the history books.
