Group A: Inter Milan, Werder Bremen, Tottenham Hotspur, FC Twente
These four teams compose an interesting section. Let’s see what Tottenham Hotspur will make of their first season in the UEFA Champions League. In the meantime, Rafael Benitez will try to help Inter Milan defend their title so starting well in the group stages will surely be imperative. Don’t write off FC Twente’s chances just yet, by the way, and don’t forget about Werder Bremen’s power either.
Group B: Olympique Lyonnais, Benfica, Schalke 04, Hapoel Tel-Aviv
A fairly balanced group. Top seeds Lyon will have to watch out for an upset, though. Benfica won’t seat back for yet another season. Likewise, Schalke 04 would love to prove what German football is all about. They might also benefit a lot from Raul’s remarkable knowledge in the UEFA Champions League. Hapoel Tel-Aviv? Well, they will need to work out wonders because they look more likely to occupy the bottom of Group B after match-day 6.
Group C: Manchester United, Valencia, Rangers, Bursaspor
Fairly balanced as well. However, without play makers David Villa and David Silva, Valencia look far less dangerous. Therefore, it gives the impression that Manchester United won’t have much to do to top their table as they have done in the last few years. Bursaspor are definitely the outsiders but there might be less distance between them and Valencia and Rangers than one may think.
Group D: Barcelona, Panathinaikos, FC Copenhagen, Rubin Kazan
Certainly, Barcelona couldn’t have asked for a much easier draw than that. Rubin Kazan stunned them last season as they defeated them at the Camp Nou and managed a 0-0 draw in Russia. However, Coach Pep Guardiola has certainly learned from the past. Now, gamblers may be tempted to predict a goal feast for the Blaugrana over the two meetings when both teams will clash. Meanwhile, FC Copenhagen didn’t pose much of a threat the last time they appeared in the UEFA Champions League. But their highlight was their lucky win against Manchester United in the group stages of the competition. Panathinaikos are tipped to join Barcelona in the Round of 16.
Group E: Bayern Munich, AS Roma, FC Basel, CFR Cluj
The 2009/2010 UEFA Champions League beaten finalists are here to try all over again. They might not have things very easy. CFR Cluj left a modestly good impression a couple of years ago as they were drawn with Chelsea. FC Basel aren’t to underestimate either whereas AS Roma also stand as favorites to reach the next stage of the competition.
Group F: Chelsea, Marseille, Spartak Moscow, MSK Zilina
It’s not the most exciting table. For Marseille, it may look good enough to dream realistically of surviving the group. Last season, the French side was put along with Real Madrid and AC Milan; Marseille eventually had to settle for a third place finish in their section and thus had to turn their focus on UEFA Europa League football. LiveSoccerTV.com’s pick: Chelsea and Marseille to go through, Spartak Moscow to qualify for the UEFA Europa League.
Group G: AC Milan, Real Madrid, Ajax, Auxerre
It’s the group of death. Jose Mourinho will be the main man to watch out for as he has challenged his team to reach for the stars. Meanwhile, AC Milan seems to have lost their European touch since winning the title back in 2007. Consequently, expect Ajax and Auxerre to try and take their chances. Will there be any huge upset?
Group H: Arsenal, Shaktar Donetsk, Sporting Braga, Partizan Belgrade
Now that should be a kind draw for surprise package Sporting Braga! The Portuguese club kicked out Celtic and Sevilla as well to enter into the group stages of the UEFA Champions League. How long will their European dream last? Like always, you would expect Arsenal to qualify – certainly as the group winners. However, the race could be wide open for the second spot.
Stay in touch with LiveSoccerTV.com as the draw for the UEFA Europa League gets underway on Friday.
