Champions League 2013-14 Predictions: Top Contenders For Next Year's Tournament

With the 2012-13 season winding down, the Champions league 2013-14 is starting to come into view. 22 teams have already clinched spots in the tournament next season, some of which are potential winners next season. Here are some of the early favorites to take home the trophy next year.

Bayern Munich

The champions will likely keep the majority of their team intact. In fact, they will likely improve with the addition of Mario Götze and any other major moves that new manager Pep Guardiola decides to make this summer. Guardiola's new system could be the wild-card in a repeat campaign. If he maintains a similar style to that employed by Jupp Heynckes, there is no reason to believe that this team cannot repeat. If he attempts to employ new tactics, the outcome could be quite different.

Borussia Dortmund

Robert Lewandowski could be on his way out of Dortmund; this could easily swing this team's chances. The loss of Mario Götze will also have a crippling effect on this squad. However, the combination of manager Jürgen Klopp and the core players such as Marco Reus and Mats Hummels should help this team make another successful run.

Barcelona

The Spaniards suffered a massive embarrassment against Bayern Munich, but they will return next year with the desire to improve massively. The addition of Neymar will give the team an explosiveness it lacked. One must also remember that Lionel Messi was absent for most of that semifinal; a rejuvenated Messi is the best addition Barcelona could get heading into next season. The big question remains in goal as Victor Valdes is expected to leave once this season ends. The age of such major players as Xavi and Andres Iniesta could also be a huge factor. However, this team is still built to win and could make a huge resurgence next season.

Chelsea

After a year of underachieving, the Blues will be back on the map with the addition of manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese manager had tremendous years at Stamford Bridge and there is no reason to believe that the magic will not return in his second stint. Juan Mata and Oscar will have one more year of experience and the victory in Europa should give this squad confidence heading into next year's campaign.

Galatasaray

The Turkish side made a name for itself with a fantastic run in this year's contest. The return of such major players a Didier Drogba, Burak Yilmaz, and Wesley Sneijder should help this team next season.

Dark Horse Contenders

Manchester United could have made a deep run this season if not for a matchup with Real Madrid. However, this team will get a new manager and a new system. There are no guarantees that the regimental change will pay dividends for this team next season.

Real Madrid will always be in the conversation as a contender, but the team looks to enter a huge rebuilding stage next season. No one knows who the new manager is or whether Cristiano Ronaldo will remain with the club. Madrid will make it out of the group stage, but a Championship run is not as certain.