Five Hot European Soccer Teams to Watch Carefully in 2023

Given that anything remains possible during the 2022-23 campaign, the second half of the season will undoubtedly feature plenty of twists and turns, while teams jostle for position to fulfil their intentions. This inevitably generates plenty of keen interest, as fans get increasingly engaged, and while betting on football continues to form part of the overall entertainment.

Unsurprisingly, there is also plenty of competition amongst the leading bookmakers, eager to attract the attention of punters throughout the world. For this reason, professional bettors and industry experts at SBO aim to provide bettors with useful insights, providing impartial reviews for betting sites in each country, highlighting where the best value odds and bonuses can be found.

But when it comes to wagering on potential success, which teams will be worth monitoring carefully in 2023? While there are many we could focus on, competing in Europe’s elite domestic divisions, there are five that have become increasingly worthy of special attention, as the current season unfolds.

Premier League – Manchester United

After five arduous campaigns without winning a single trophy, Manchester United have become a slumbering giant, much to the disgruntlement of their massive global support. But despite the bitter departure of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who left at the end of 2022, the team led by Erik ten Hag is actually looking much better without him.

Recent form has been exceptional, including a superb derby victory for MUFC against local rivals Manchester City, putting the Red Devils firmly in the thick of the Premier League title race. Not since legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson retired, has the Old Trafford faithful sensed that something special could be about to happen. This titan is finally waking up.

LaLiga – Real Sociedad

While the perennial dominance of Real Madrid and Barcelona continues, followers of Spanish football are wondering if any other team is capable of challenging. Based upon their excellent form since November of last year, people are genuinely beginning to take more notice of Real Sociedad, particularly following their Basque derby win against Athletic Bilbao.

Often known simply as “La Real” amongst fans, the team currently managed by Imanol Alguacil is comfortably in the top four, and within touching distance of the “big two” in the league table. They haven’t won LaLiga since back to back titles in 1980-81 and 1981-82, but while they remain in the chase, hope springs eternal for their passionate supporters.

Serie A – Napoli

The last time Napoli won the Serie A title, they boasted the diminutively iconic figure of Diego Maradona in their team. He was the talisman of a side that won their first “Scudetto” in the 1986-87 season, before inspiring them to another championship crown in 1989-90. Since those heady days, the Gli Azzurri have consistently failed to deliver, although that could be about to change.

Habitual contenders in the push to win Serie A, previous title bids have always appeared to run out of steam, yet having established a healthy lead at the top this season, there is a growing sense of positivity amongst the Neapolitan fans. This could mark 2023 as a special year for Napoli, providing the team can keep the winning momentum going.

Bundesliga – Union Berlin

Looking beyond the mighty Bayern Munich, who are comfortably dominating the race to win the Bundesliga title yet again, there has been something of a revival for smaller historic teams in recent seasons. One such team is 1FC Union Berlin, who have enjoyed a fairy tale rise to prominence in German football.

Although their origins date back to 1906 in various guises, the current club was founded in 1966 and played in East Germany, before the fall of the Berlin wall, leading to the reunification of the city and the country. Now in just their third season in the top flight Bundesliga, Union Berlin are chasing a top four finish, which could reward this humble club with Champions League football for the first ever time in their history.

Ligue 1 – Lens

Few people can look beyond Paris Saint-Germain as potential champions, given they boast an embarrassment of world-class players in their side, but one team does remain firmly in the title fight. Lens are actually enjoying better form than their illustrious rivals, early in 2023, promoting optimism they can stay the course and remain serious challengers.

Indeed, it was Lens who enjoyed victory against PSG on New Year’s Day, continuing their promising campaign with an excellent run of results. They have only lost once in Ligue 1 this season, against Lille in November last year, and if anyone can oust the favourites, the team known as ‘The Blood and Gold’ will certainly be the ones to watch in France.