The UEFA Champions League group stage is just getting underway, but it's never too early for some predictions.
With powerhouse sides such as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Juventus and Liverpool back for another edition of the continental tournament, there are no lack of options for those who like to prognosticate.
The hosts of "Shoot-Out," DAZN's weekly soccer talk show, are certainly down to give it a shot. Steve Bower and Greg Brady are joined in this week's episode by Paul Scholes as they cast their eyes on next May's final.
Interestingly, they all came to the same conclusion.
"There's only been one squad to repeat as Champions League champions since 1990 — that's really hard to believe — and it's been Real Madrid," Brady said. "I've got Real Madrid going far, but I think we get another repeat champion this time round in Bayern Munich."
Brady explained that he couldn't see last season's finalist PSG making it as far in this edition of the competition, instead favouring Real Madrid to face Bayern in the final.
"Real Madrid's been out of the final two years straight and it probably doesn't sit very well with the club and with [manager Zinedine] Zidane, or with their fan base," Brady said "I think they're the biggest threat to Bayern Munich winning a back-to-back title."
Bower was in agreement with his co-host, to his own amusement as the men tend to take opposing stances on most soccer issues.
"Bayern are Bayern," Bower stated after going through a list of flaws plauging the other mega clubs ahead of the Champions League campaign. "Yes, they've lost Thiago, but they gained Leroy Sane and three or four other additions as well. I just think they're winners, Greg. I agree with you. And of course the left back [Alphonso Davies] isn't bad either is he?"
To complete the triumvirate, Scholes picked Bayern as the favourite to repeat because he feels the other clubs who would normally challenge for the title are still a step behind the German giant.
"The usual suspects are probably close [to Bayern]," Scholes said. "I'm not sure City have improved enough to do it. Then you look at your Real Madrids and Barcelonas, you can never rule them out."
Watch the entire episode of "Shoot-Out" above, or on DAZN's YouTube page.