Group Stages: Analysis and Predictions

By: Adam | September 14th, 2007

As soon as any competition is about to begin, there are torrents of analysis and predictions by various fans. And since I’m no different than genuine fan of the beautiful game, here are my two pennies. When it comes to analysis and predictions, I’m not Nostradamus and I’m not Alan Hansen as well as Andy Gray too. Here’s the “Champions League Offside’s” season preview.

I have given the verdict on which teams in given group will be clearing Group Stages. Acc. to rules 2 teams in each groups can proceed to Knockout stages.

Group A: Liverpool, Porto, Marseille, Besiktas
Marseille return to Champions League action after long time. But they have got some significant challenge to clear the first hurdle. Liverpool have enjoyed immense success in Europe in past couple of seasons. Last year’s runner’s up have ameliorated their squad by some young prospects like Torres and Babel. They are favorites to win this group and I don’t see any difficulty in that. Porto always have enough quality to go into knockout stages. Besiktas are new boys and they will have hard life out here. Marseille have good squad and could give some surprises.
Verdict: Liverpool, Porto

Group B: Chelsea, Valencia, Schalke 04, Rosenborg
Chelsea and Valencia meet once again after quarter final rendezvous in last year’s CL. Champions League is one trophy that is eluding Chelsea especially after their successful crusades in England in recent past. I’m sure, of all the trophies, Champions League lies at number 1 for Jose. Valencia on the other hand have an excellent squad of some young flair as well as players with experience. Schalke can produce some shocking results but they need to be at their best to disrupt teams like Chelsea and Valencia. Rosenborg are too small compared to big boys of this group.
Verdict: Chelsea, Valencia

Group C: Real Madrid, Werder Bremen, Lazio, Olympiacos
Both Champions League and Real Madrid are synonymous. Real have been the biggest spenders across the Europe this season and all the signings look promising. Even though Klose has been sold, Bremen have enough gunpowder in their arsenal to produce good results. Bremen are extremely strong on home front and even teams like Barca and Chelsea couldnt produce positive result Weserstadion in previous CL. S.S. Lazio had a good season in last year’s Serie A. But they have to work their socks off to win here. Olympiacos are the weak link of this group.
Verdict: Real Madrid, Werder Bremen

Group D: AC Milan, Benfica, Celtic, Shakhtar Donetsk
I will call this group as “Group of Death”. AC Milan should go thru in any case given the quality and experience they have. Last season Celtic were able to outperform Benfica in group stages but tables can easily turn in Benfica’s way. Shakhtar have spent heavily this summer and have promising group of players. They should give some hard time to big guys in this group. It will be interesting to see 3 horse race between Benfcia, Celtic and Shakhtar.
Verdict: AC Milan, Celtic

Group E: Barcelona, Lyon, Stuttgart, Rangers
Barca look threatening with their “fabulous 4″. Barca have added some extra cream to existing Crème de la Crème of their squad in this summer transfer window. Stuttgart are current German Champions but they didn’t have great start to their Bundesliga campaign. Lyon have sold some of their best players this season. They have won 6 titles in a row in France and I’m sure this time they will give the highest priority to Europe. Rangers must be cursing their luck after finding themselves in company of these teams. In my opinion Barca will have no problems in clearing this hurdle. Whichever team wins all of their home legs should qualify as second team since Barca will be doing rest of their job.
Verdict: Barcelona, Lyon

Group F: Manchester United, Roma, Sporting, Dynamo Kiev
Aahh…old memoirs of Old Trafford will be haunting Roma supporters right now. Whereas Man Utd fans must have savored every bit of this draw. Last year united came extremely close to big ears with some fantastic results in the run but in the end they were mauled by rejuvenated Milan. Man Utd’s strike force is second only to Barca in whole of Europe. They are certainly favorites to win this group. Roma are unpredictable team in Europe. Still they are good enough against teams like Sporting and Dynamo Kiev.
Verdict: Manchester United, Roma

Group G: Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven, CSKA Moscow, Fenerbache
I find this group as the most unique group. 4 teams from totally different corners of Europe and this is what Champions League is all about. Inter are lucky to find themselves in relatively easy group this year. They seem to be the best amongst all the other teams if we consider “experience” as only parameter. Eindhoven had good time last year and were able to bring shock result when they defeated Arsenal. Koeman who is manager of PSV is the protege of “King Guus” and has won European Cup in 1988 as a player with PSV. Both CSKA and Fenerbache will provide hostile environment for visiting teams in their home. It will be interesting to see who grabs the 2nd spot in this group.
Verdict: Inter Milan, PSV Eindhoven

Group H: Arsenal, Sevilla, Steaua Bucharest, Slavia Prague
This one is the most predictable group in my opinion. Wenger has been the one of the most successful manager in Arsenal history. But one jewel is missing in his crown which is Champions League. Arsenal won’t be having any problems in group stages with their young squad. But as they will progress it will take toll on their young and inexperienced players. After winning UEFA cup back to back, Sevilla must be eager to taste the Champions League success and they have perfect group to build their confidence in their first season. Unfortunately for Steaua and Slavia I don’t see any future beyond group stages.
Verdict: Sevilla, Arsenal

So what are your thoughts about? Do let me know. And one more thing in the next post I’m going to reveal 4 favorites of this years Champions League. So keep checking.