Champions League Preview

The greatest, most prestigious club competition in the world is upon us; yes, that’s right, the Champions League draw has taken place signalling the start of the tournament is near. The draw itself was a lively one to say the least, with some brilliant ties lined up, including the usual ‘Group of Death’. I’m here to guide you all through the ins and outs of each group and make my customary pre competition predictions.

Group A:
Porto
Dynamo Kyiv
PSG
Dinamo Zagreb

At a glance, Group A would probably be considered the most open group, although I’m sure PSG would consider themselves favourites for the group. FC Porto will also fancy their chances of progression as the group’s top seeds, meaning that technically, they should be favourites. Don’t rule out the two Dynamos though, Croatia and Ukraine will not be easy places to travel to for any side in Europe.

Prediction:
1)PSG
2)Porto

Group B:
Arsenal
Schalke
Olympiacos
Montpellier

Group B was relatively kind to Arsenal. They were able to avoid the big sides from the other pots and also don’t have any big away trips to prepare for. I think if most people are being honest then they expect this group to be a battle for second place, with Schalke, Olympiacos and Montpellier all evenly matched sides. Montpellier making their debut in the tournament will not expect much, although there’s no doubt that they see that this is a fantastic opportunity, and one that must be seized.

Prediction:
1)Arsenal
2)Schalke

Group C:
Milan
Zenit
Anderlecht
Malaga

Group C is a similar group to Group B in the fact that the top seeds are undisputable favourite’s, however the other three sides will certainly expect to qualify for the knockout stages. Malaga will be hoping that they can put their money problems behind them and progress through the next round. Zenit have also spent big money to get here, and the Russian giants will hope that they can say it was money well spent come December.

Prediction:
1) Milan
2) Malaga

Group D:
Real Madrid
Manchester City
Ajax
Dortmund

Group D is without a doubt the group everybody has their eyes on, ‘The Group of Death’ it has been dubbed; with all four sides champions of their respective leagues, the nickname is well deserved. I’m certain that Manchester City would’ve been hoping for a slightly easier draw being in pot two to begin, however having gained vital Champions League experience last year, Mancini’s men will have confidence of progressing. Another side hopeful of qualifying is Dortmund; they were given a tough group last season and were unable to progress, but similarly to City they have grown in experience and should be dark horses.

Prediction:
1) Real Madrid
2) Manchester City

Group E:Chelsea
Shakhtar Donetsk
Juventus
Nordsjaelland

Chelsea have been handed a tough draw in Group E, Juventus the main contenders to progress from this group as the winners. Juventus will pose a big test for the Champions of Europe in the start of their defence, however I do think that Chelsea will progress will relative ease. Shakhtar Donetsk however will not be an easy place to go too for either of those big two, expect a shock result in Ukraine.

Prediction:
1) Chelsea
2) Juventus

Group F:
Bayern
Valencia
Lille
BATE

Group F looks to me as though it could be wide open; Bayern the favourites, but Valencia and Lille will be no pushovers for them. Bayern will know that having been in two CL finals in recent years, they are expected now to reach the very latter stages of the competition regularly; if that is a help or a hinderance we’ll soon see. Lille are my dark horses for progression from this group. They have a very good squad and have also moved forward as a side a lot recently, despite the loss of several key players.
Prediction:
1) Bayern
2) Lille

Group G:
Barcelona
Benfica
Spartak Moskva
Celtic

Barcelona have been handed a tricky group with three well organised teams who should be hard to beat. Benfica proved how good they were last season, almost knocking Chelsea out of the competition only to be beaten by a late Raul Meireles. Spartak Moskva are also a team with the potential to get out of the group.

Prediction:
1) Barcelona
2)Benfica

Group H:
Manchester United
Braga
Galatasaray
CFR Cluj

Finally, Group H, and Manchester United should be fairly pleased with their draw. Braga have plenty of Europa League pedigree, however are fairly new to the Champions League scene. This should work to United’s advantage as well as the fact that the trip to Portugal isn’t too hard on the players. Also Galatasaray are another favourable side, no real threat to a side of the calibre of Manchester United.

Prediction:
1) Manchester United
2) Braga