Bayern München are dark horses

VC Bet reckon Bayern Munich will post a bold assault on this season's Uefa Champions League when the tournament resumes in February. The Bavarian giants qualified for the knock-out stage in second place in Group C behind Juventus - scoring an impressive 12 goals in six matches. "The Bundesliga players will come back in the New Year nice and refreshed after their winter break and that will help their Champions League chances," said VC Bet's football expert Nick Blezard. "That's the complete opposite of the Premiership sides who will be completely run into the ground over Christmas," he added. All four of England's Champions League sides - Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool - have reached the knock-out stage. "Bayern have really started to play well in the Bundesliga recently and look to be improving all the time. "And it was no disgrace losing 1-0 twice to group winners Juventus who have looked like one of Europe's top sides this year." VC Bet's high estimation of Bayern's European hopes is evidenced by the firm's industry-low 16/1 quote. Blezard pointed to Roy Makaay and Oliver Khan as two men well capable of helping guide the Bavarians all the way to the Istanbul final on May 25. "Makaay has looked as dangerous as any striker on the continent this season and Oliver Khan is still the best keeper in the competition in my opinion." Dutch hit-man Makaay has scored seven goals in six Champions League appearances this season. Jose Mourinho's Chelsea are VC Bet's 11/2 tournament favourites with Barcelona and Milan 6/1. England's other representatives Arsenal and Manchester United are both 7/1 with Liverpool 25/1. "We've laid Liverpool at 50/1 but despite the euphoria surrounding their superb win they rely far too much on Steven Gerrard. And one man can't win the Champions' League on his own." Get a free bet from VCBET Now worth fifty pounds! #1 Betfair Bonus £25 Free Bet.#2 Ladbrokes £25 Free Bet.#3 Paddypower Bonus £20 Free Bet.