Gary Lineker has claimed that Manchester City are the only hope out of the English contingent to win the Champions League, but he does not believe that a Premier League outfit will pick up the trophy.

It has been four seasons since an English club were successful in the elite European tournament, and that was the 2011-12 campaign when Chelsea defeated Bayern Munich in the final.

The Blues are not in contention this time due to failing to finish in the top four last season, and Tottenham Hotspur dropped out at the group stage, so it is left up to Leicester City, Arsenal and Man City to fly the English flag.

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Lineker does not believe that either of the three teams that have reached the last-16 stage will be crowned champions come May, but City have a slight edge due to Pep Guardiola being in charge.

The Daily Star quotes Lineker as saying:

“I would say City are our best bet to go all the way. They’ve been struggling a little bit in the league, but they might actually be more suited to European football they way Guardiola plays before he comes to terms with life in the Premier League.”

City were given a bit of luck in the draw when they pulled Monaco out of the hat, while Arsenal face a daunting task when they go head to head with Bayern Munich.

As for Leicester, who are facing a relegation battle just one season after winning the league, they will take on Sevilla in the first knockout round of the tournament.

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