The Champions League draw is just a few days away and there are a number of teams that look like big favorites for the title. Which side is the runaway contender?

The reality is that it comes down to just a handful of sides that will be making noise in this contest. The major contenders come out of the first two pots with the latter ones set to be complimentary pieces in the group stage.

Barcelona is the reigning champion and undoubtedly the favorite going into the tournament. However, not all is perfect for Blaugrana. Despite boasting the best attacking trio in the game, the team has a problem with depth that will certainly make things more difficult. While Aleix Vidal and Arda Turan come in January to bolster the attack and right back positon, the midfield and defense are rather questionable. Dani Alves is gone for a while, likely forcing the use of Jeremy Mathieu who was woeful in the preseason. Outside of Sergio Busquets, Andres Iniesta and Ivan Rakitic, the team has no major midfielders that it can call off the bench. Outside of its attacking trident of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, the attackers are also limited. Barcelona could struggle in a tough group as it will have one of Arsenal, Porto or Manchester City to contend with at the very least. Depth will make the difference for Blaugrana. When one considers that this squad will have to work through the dog days of fall and early winter, it is possible that the team could be exhausted by the time the spring arrives.

Bayern Munich might be a better contender for the tournament. Just look at that squad. The addition of Douglas Costa means that Franck Ribery does not have to be the main attacking option on the wing. The arrival of Arturo Vidal adds a formidable piece in the midfield. The rest of the team is bevy of terrific attackers and defenders. If this team can stay healthy and play its combination of possession and fast attack, then Bayern could be the team to beat.

The same goes for Real Madrid, though one must be wary of the man behind the bench. The team has great depth throughout the squad, but Rafa Benitez must learn to use it effectively. The preseason and opening Spanish League game were certainly not examples of this at all. Gareth Bale could sink this ship if he continues playing in the hole as a number 10 and continues to falter. Everyone knows that James Rodriguez is the man to play in that position, but for the time being Benitez was Bale to get his look. If Bale succeeds there then Madrid could be a tough team to stop. If he falters but continues playing there then it could be a debacle. If Benitez changes him soon, then the team could also get the most out of its players in the right positions.

Manchester City is the final real contender, though its history in England makes it long shot. The squad is far improved this summer with the arrival of Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Otamendi but it will have to overcome the European struggle to make its claim.

Paris Saint-Germain is another tough team that must not be counted out but it needs to prove that it too can contend on that level. Angel Di Maria at his best could bring this team to another level. However, if he plays as he did at Manchester United last summer then it could be a poor tournament for this team.

Chelsea could also compete but the early season struggles do not show many signs of promise. Ditto for Arsenal.

Who is the favorite to win the Champions League in 2015-16?