Manchester United face a tricky opening Champions League game at Besiktas – can last year’s finalists get off to a winning start? Get all the best odds here.

Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea are in a strong position to win the Champions League for the first time.

Chelsea have been the most consistent side in Europe in recent years, but the closest they came to winning the Champions League was in 2008 when they lost in the final to Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out.

Ancelotti took charge at Stamford Bridge in the summer, with many claiming his success in Europe with Milan was the key factor in his appointment.

Last season’s beaten semi-finalists kick off their new campaign at home to Porto on Tuesday.

“Chelsea have been in the semi-finals most in the last six years,” said Ancelotti.

“They haven’t won it, but they have come very close. Two years ago, they were one penalty away from winning it.

“Now the conditions are right for us to try again.”

Meanwhile, Ancelotti says he is unconcerned over his failure to sign Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo with him to West London.

He said: “We have players to fulfil that role. We’ve tried John Obi Mikel, Michael Essien and Deco.

“Pirlo can’t play like Mikel, and Mikel can’t play like Pirlo.”

Manchester United face a tricky opening Champions League game at Besiktas – can last year’s finalists get off to a winning start? Get all the best odds here.

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