Champions League Preview Groups G and H

By: Rob | September 15th, 2008

Last of my previews of the Champions League before the big Kick-off tomorrow night. Not sure what’s happened to my co-bloggers, but fear not, I shall endeavour to bring you all the goings on over the next couple of days. The previews for the first three groups are here, and the second three groups here, and you can pick your Champions League dream team and take me on.

Here I’m looking at the last two groups, with a couple of very tricky groups and alot of history and newness in the final group. Full preview is after the jump.

Group G

Arsenal
Porto
Fenerbahce
Dinamo Kiev

This is going to be a very tricky group for anyone to get out of. Seeded Arsenal performed beyond expectations in both the league and the Champions League last season, knocking out AC Milan at the San Siro in the Knockout stages. Porto won the competetion in 2005, under now Inter-boss Jose Mourinho and despite controversy over thier appearence here will be a force. Fener suprised alot of people last season with a run to the Quarter-Finals, and Dinamo Kiev might have finished bottom of a tough group last season, but they are always difficult to play in Kiev.

Who To Pick For Your Fantasy Team - Theo Wallcott. If you check last seasons Team of the Season, I predicted in the comments that Theo would step up this season in the way Fábregas did last time out. Well his hat-trick for England is already starting to prove me right, and he’s a bargin.

Prediction - I think Arsenal will get through with Fenerbahce just coming away from Porto. Kiev will be bottom.

Group H

Real Madrid
Juventus
Zenit St Petersburg
BATE

This looks like it could be a great group. Real Madrid have won this tournament more times than anybody else, but in recent times have struggled in the knockout stages. They will be looking to go better this time. Juventus have returned after a few years away due to well-talked about reasons. They’re no slouches, and will want to start making thier mark back in Europe again. Zenit surprised alot of people last season by winning the UEFA Cup, and will be a tough prospect for everyone. Meanwhile, what an introduction to Champions League football for BATE, the first side from Belarus to make it this far. Wonderful story.

Who To Pick In Your Champions League Side - Buffon. Juve are not going to concede to many with the best keeper in the world between the sticks.

Prediction - I can’t see past Real and Juve, but Zenit will be no pushovers. BATE will be delighted with a point I imagine.