2009-10 UEFA Champions League Group H Preview
European Football's Premier Tournament Enters the Group Stage
Sep 19, 2009
UEFA’s 2009-2010 Champions League season is here. The groups have been drawn amongst much fanfare, the matches are set, and the competition to be crowned champions of Europe is ready to begin.
This is a breakdown of the teams in each of the eight groups. Two teams will advance from each group into the quarterfinal knockout stages of the Champions League.
Group H
Olympiakos (Greece), Standard Liege (Belgium), Arsenal (England), AZ Alkmaar (The Netherlands)
Group H is the true essence of the Champions League with three of the four teams from this group being the current champions of their respective domestic leagues. The fourth team, Arsenal, is the overwhelming favorite to win the group.
Olympiakos C.F.P.
Olympiakos’ chances in this group are similar to those of rivals Standard Liege and AZ – defending their home pitch will make or break them. The Greek champions are no strangers to the Champions League, but success has eluded them. The Reds are led up front by young Brazilian Diogo and a midfield supporting cast that includes countryman Dudu and Argentines Cristian Ledesma and Luciano Galletti. Olof Mellberg was brought in to shore up the defense that includes former Real Madrid man Raul Bravo and Greek international legend Antonios Nikopolidis between the posts. Manager Zico faces a tough challenge in a group that leaves plenty of opportunity to seize the second qualification spot to the knock-out stages.
Royal Standard de Liege
The Belgian champions feature an exciting, young nucleus led by captain and playmaker Steven Defour. Les Rouches offense is also anchored by Milan Jovanovic plus young stars Axel Witsel and Dieumerci Mbokani who both offer a lot of flair and style around the ball. On the defensive side of the pitch, manager Laszio Boloni’s side features Ricardo Rocha and Marcos Camozzato. Liege will make life interesting for their group rivals, but will face a tough fight to progress to the knock-out stage.
Arsenal FC
Arsene Wenger’s side has come ever so close to winning the big prize the past few seasons including claiming runners-up medals in 2006 when Barcelona beat them in the final. The Gunners have been revamped since their 2006 finals appearance and now field a young attacking team that has the ability to go very far in this competition. Despite losing Thierry Henry and Emmanuel Adebayor over the past couple of seasons, Arsenal’s weaponry is at times second to none. Robbie van Persie and Cesc Fabregas lead this offense that also includes Eduardo, Theo Walcott, and Nicklas Bendtner. Summer signee Thomas Vermaelen was brought in to the Emirates to bolster a defense that includes William Gallas and Alexandre Song in front of Manuel Almunia in the nets. With such a young and talented lineup (with more talent on the bench including Andrei Arshavin), the Gunners will have no problem with this group and will challenge the Champions League favorites in the knock-out stages.
AZ Alkmaar
If AZ’s story sounds familiar, it is because it reflects those of group rivals Olympiakos and Standard Liege. Here is a team that features young, raw, unproven talent at the Champions League level that will cause problems at times for other teams. However, for AZ to advance, they must also maximize their points at home and hope to score a few away points. Young stars Moussa Dembele and Sergio Romero feature in AZ’s regular lineup. They join prolific scorer Mounir El Hamdaoui and captain Stijn Schaars who lead the Dutch champions on the field. Ronald Koeman will have his hands full scoping out a lineup that can earn the necessary points to advance.
Prediction
Without a doubt, Arsenal will take this group with relative ease. From there, the picture is unclear. Which unproven, young champion will advance? Olympiakos may have the edge in terms of European experience, but AZ and Standard Liege offer plenty in terms of pace and excitement. Fortunately for each of these three teams, the Champions League draw gives them a chance at reaching the knock-out stages. Ultimately Standard Liege or AZ’s youth will prevail with the nod to Liege. If any of these teams can earn a point versus Arsenal, advancement will be closer to reality.
Group H Results:
Match Week One - September 16, 2009
Other Group Previews
 |
