Champions League Groups

Group A

Chelsea, Bordeaux, Roma, CFR Cluj

Apart from CFR Cluj, the three remaining teams in the group all have great possibilities of advancing. Although Chelsea is the firm favourite to top the group, it should be very interesting to see who will emerge second with Roma and Bordeaux being two very classy outfits. Roma gets my nod.

Prediction: 1.Chelsea 2. Roma

Group B

Inter Milan, Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen, Anorthosis

With the depth of its squad, Inter should have little difficulty winning this group. They are by far the best team of the four, but are likely to be tested by a strong Werder Bremen side, while Panathinaikos have reinforced their squad with quality and will also give them a challenge. Anorthosis? No chance.

Prediction: 1. Inter Milan 2. Werder Bremen

Group C

Barcelona, Basel, Shakhtar, Sporting Lisbon

While Barcelona is without doubt the best team in the group (by a mile) Basel, Shakhtar and Sporting are all capable of finishing in second place. What I believe will get Shakhtar across the finish line are the icy conditions of the Ukraine, that have been a defining factor in the past. Still, Sporting is a good team, and one not to take lightly.

Prediction: 1. Barcelona 2. Shakhtar

Group D

PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid, Marseille, Liverpool

In my book this is the "Group of Death". All four teams are always challenging for titles in their respective leagues, and although Liverpool is the team with the greatest history in the competition, they should be challenged all the way. Atletico is quality this season, as it demonstrated in thrashing Schalke.

Prediction: 1. Liverpool 2. Atletico Madrid

Group E

Manchester United, Villarreal, Celtic, AaB Aalborg

European champions Manchester United should be satisfied with the group they were put into. They should lock up first place without even breaking a sweat. While Villarreal and a strong Celtic side should fight for second position. Sorry Danish fans, but Aab Aalborg doesn't stand a chance.

Prediction: 1. Manchester United 2. Villarreal

Group F

Steaua, Bayern Munich, Lyon, Fiorentina

Another extremely tricky group. Count out Steaua, but the remaining three teams are all quality. Bayern Munich returns to the competition where they belong, and should do very well, while for all of its domestic dominance isn't it about time Lyon does something worthwhile on the international stage? Fiorentina may surprise many.

Prediction 1. Bayern Munich 2. Lyon

Group G

Porto, Fenerbahce, Dynamo Kyiv, Arsenal

Arsenal finds itself in a very evenly balanced group and unfortunately will go out early. Porto and Fenerbahce are class acts, and have a lot to prove this season. What I believe will affect Arsenal is travelling to places like Turkey, the Ukraine and Portugal. This group will be a joy to watch, guaranteed.

Prediction: 1. Porto 2. Fenerbahce

Group H

Real Madrid, Zenit, BATE Borisov, Juventus

Spanish champions, Real Madrid, will have a lot to prove this season after having made a relatively early exit last season. Madrid is quality, but so is Juventus, who will be trying its best to break into Europe's elite after some difficult years. Zenit proved its worth after winning the UEFA Cup last season, but Bate, is clearly not ready for the big time yet.

Prediction: 1. Real Madrid 2. Juventus

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