A quick run-down of this week's games - I expect most of these ties to be very close. Some teams have already been eliminated, but most have it all to play for and are fighting to stay alive. It makes for some aggressive, tight football that usually culminates in more goals as teams get more desperate for points. With the quality of the teams in this competition, this could be the best matchday of the group stage.
HEADLINER: Juventus v. Chelsea
Juventus host Chelsea trailing both the Blues and Shakhtar (who visit Nordsjaelland) by a point. Juve have a much greater sense of urgency to win this game, while Chelsea would be happy with a point, as a very winnable home fixture against Nordjaelland awaits. A loss and a Shakhtar win would eliminate the Old Lady ahead of next matchday's showdown in Ukraine. Chelsea must not play this fixture too carefully, as a loss and a Shakhtar win would set them to be eliminated with a draw in Donetsk between the two. I expect Chelsea to play on the counter but also to show some conviction going forward, especially considering how fragile their defense has been without John Terry. Juventus gave them a ton of trouble at Stamford Bridge and it may behoove the Blues to start off on the front foot rather than waiting for the Italians to come at them. I expect lots of chances given Chelsea's attacking prowess and their messy defense. An early goal would force Juventus to attack with much more force, which could be provided by in-form attackers Juan Mata and Eden Hazard. Juventus have stepped up their goal-scoring recently as well, scoring ten goals in their two games prior to Saturday. This is the game to watch of the week.
Prediction: Juventus 2-2 Chelsea
UPSET ALERT: Anderlecht v. AC Milan
Anderlecht gave Milan all they could handle on Matchday 1, leaving with a point in a 0-0 draw. Milan have been in peril all season long, and the issues within the club only seem to be escalating. The Belgians are just a point behind and a victory would put them in pole position to reach the knockout stage. Milan desperately need something to turn the club's fortunes around, and their only win in the competition so far came away from home (in Russia). I don't see it. This looks like a lost season for Milan, with the only bright spot being the emergence of Stephan El Shaarawy as a legitimate goal scorer. After last matchday's win over Zenit, Anderlecht could be this year's Pot 4 team to go through. Anderlecht have a number of experienced players who will not be afraid to attack the struggling Milan defense. Christian Abbiati has come under particular scrutiny for his role in their concession of five goals in the last two games. Anderlecht should be rocking for this game. Upset alert on full blast for the Italians.
Prediction: Anderlecht 1-0 Milan
GROUP D WILL BE INTERESTING IF...
Manchester City and Ajax both win at home, against Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund respectively. Dubbed the "group of death" of this season's competition, the matches have failed to disappoint; however, the dramatics have, as City and Ajax both need wins today to have any chance of going through. Unfortunately, I can't see it happening. City have been miserable in Europe this season and now must beat arguably the best team in the world to have any chance. Last weekend's thrashing of Aston Villa will provide some spark but there is an obvious difference in quality and organization between Villa and a Mourinho-coached Madrid. Ajax played well against City, and are vastly underrated - if they'd finished the job and won at the Etihad, this group would have a whole different complexion. But Dortmund have been very strong in Europe this year on both sides of the field, so it will be very difficult for the Dutch. It looks like we're heading for a boring final matchday, as I expect Madrid and Dortmund to frustrate their opponents and acquire the necessary results to all but send them through. I give Ajax a better chance of grabbing a win and spicing up the group, but two draws could be on the cards for this week's Group D fixtures.
Predictions: Manchester City 1-1 Real Madrid, Ajax 0-0 Dortmund
Full Predictions (Rankings in parentheses):
BATE - Lille : DRAW
Valencia - Bayern Munich (4) : DRAW
Juventus (7) - Chelsea (3) : DRAW
FC Nordjaelland - Shakhtar Donetsk : AWAY WIN
Spartak Moscow - Barcelona (2) : DRAW
Benfica (21) - Celtic (25) : HOME WIN
Zenit (15) - Malaga (14) : HOME WIN
Anderlecht - AC Milan (18) : HOME WIN
Galatasaray - Manchester United (6) : HOME WIN
CFR Cluj - Braga : AWAY WIN
Manchester City (5) - Real Madrid (1) : DRAW
Ajax Amsterdam - Borussia Dortmund (8) : DRAW
Dynamo Kiev - PSG (9) : AWAY WIN
FC Porto (23) - Dinamo Zagreb : HOME WIN
Arsenal (12) - Montpellier : HOME WIN
Schalke (10) - Olympiakos : HOME WIN
Showing posts with label Braga. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Braga. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
UEFA Champions League - Matchday 4
Last matchday featured a number of upset specials. The early upset darling, BATE, were run over by Valencia to extend their point-less run against Spanish opposition to six games. However, Dortmund knocked off Real Madrid, Schalke won at the Emirates (boom), Ajax dismantled Manchester City and Shakhtar beat Chelsea. The biggest shock to me was Ajax's win, not because of the result itself but because of the performance. They were better for nearly the whole match, as City's goal came against the run of play. Rather than falter, Ajax responded with three second half goals to stun the City hierarchy. One point from three is not good enough for Roberto's men - I don't care who you're playing.
Matchday 4 is a reverse of Matchday 3 - so it's the same matchups but at the opposite team's home field. For some ties, it makes an even better matchup, as AC Milan and Malaga should be very tight, as will Dynamo Kiev and Porto, among others. However, the better sides that played away from home last week should have a much easier go of it at home - Valencia, City, and Benfica should all come away with three points this week. Lots of points to think about, though.
HEADLINER: Schalke 04 v. Arsenal
I'm not going to choose a game from Group D this week (although I know Real Madrid and Dortmund should be a great game) because I think you can take a lot more from this tie. Arsenal are in a perilous state at the current time and in much need of a victory to retake first place in Group B and settle concerns from fans. Schalke are performing very well at the moment and should have nine points in the group, but conceded late against Montpellier. After winning at the Emirates, Schalke will have nothing to fear against the Gunners, who have scored just seven goals in six Premier League games away from home. Despite having the best defensive record in the Premier League, Arsenal's defense has proven mistake-prone during the last few years, and I expect nothing different in Germany. Schalke are rotating the squad quite a bit recently to keep players fresh, but should have most of their first team on the field Tuesday. Expect the Germans to come away with a minimum of a point but more likely take all three points to send Arsenal further into the mire. An Olympiakos win could threaten a knockout stage appearance as well.
Prediction: Schalke 2-1 Arsenal
UPSET ALERT: Braga v. Manchester United
Manchester United are on upset alert again in Portugal where the Red Devils have historically struggled. Braga have been in the best run of their club's history, but have dropped two of three so far in the Champions League. They moved through United's defense easily in the first half before capitulating in the second during one of United's vintage comebacks. United struggled in Romania and still came out with a win, but this game sets up as a trap game after big domestic wins over Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as a comfortable lead at the top of Group H. Braga are not at the level of their domestic rivals but can compete with bigger clubs, reaching the Europa League final two years ago after defeating Liverpool, Dynamo Kiev and Benfica before losing narrowly to Porto in the final. United may take this game too lightly and their defense is not strong enough to grind out a result in a difficult place to play. Braga could grab a point in this contest and could maybe nick a win with a solid performance.
Prediction: Braga 1-1 Manchester United
OLD RIVALS: Celtic v. Barcelona
Celtic and Barcelona face off again in Glasgow after the Catalans snatched a 2-1 victory in injury time after going a goal down in the first half. It was a surprisingly close encounter, as many of Celtic's fans could hardly believe they were in the game for so long. Unfortunately for the Hoops, the result means the performance was all for nothing, although they still do hold second place in Group G. That type of performance is very difficult to duplicate against Barcelona, and although Celtic are historically very tough at Celtic Park, Barcelona should be a huge favorite in this one. The goals could be flying in left and right but I expect a more subdued game. Celtic will set up to strike on the counter while Barcelona typically dominate possession. I like to root for the underdog but it would take an even better performance for Celtic to grab a share of the spoils on Wednesday. Barcelona won't take them so lightly this time.
Prediction: Celtic 0-2 Barcelona
Full Predictions (Rankings in parentheses):
Real Madrid (1) - Borussia Dortmund (8) : HOME WIN
AC Milan (18) - Malaga (14) : DRAW
Schalke (10) - Arsenal (12) : HOME WIN
Manchester City (5) - Ajax Amsterdam : HOME WIN
PSG (9) - Dinamo Zagreb : HOME WIN (potentially very ugly)
Olympiakos - Montpellier : DRAW
Dynamo Kiev - FC Porto (23) : HOME WIN
Anderlecht - Zenit (15) : AWAY WIN
Celtic (25) - Barcelona (2) : AWAY WIN
Valencia - BATE : HOME WIN
Juventus (7) - FC Nordsjaelland : HOME WIN
Bayern Munich (4) - LOSC Lille : HOME WIN (also potentially very ugly)
Braga - Manchester United (6) : DRAW
Chelsea (3) - Shakhtar Donetsk : HOME WIN
CFR Cluj - Galatasaray : AWAY WIN (no logical reasoning, just instinct)
Benfica (21) - Spartak Moscow : HOME WIN
Matchday 4 is a reverse of Matchday 3 - so it's the same matchups but at the opposite team's home field. For some ties, it makes an even better matchup, as AC Milan and Malaga should be very tight, as will Dynamo Kiev and Porto, among others. However, the better sides that played away from home last week should have a much easier go of it at home - Valencia, City, and Benfica should all come away with three points this week. Lots of points to think about, though.
HEADLINER: Schalke 04 v. Arsenal
I'm not going to choose a game from Group D this week (although I know Real Madrid and Dortmund should be a great game) because I think you can take a lot more from this tie. Arsenal are in a perilous state at the current time and in much need of a victory to retake first place in Group B and settle concerns from fans. Schalke are performing very well at the moment and should have nine points in the group, but conceded late against Montpellier. After winning at the Emirates, Schalke will have nothing to fear against the Gunners, who have scored just seven goals in six Premier League games away from home. Despite having the best defensive record in the Premier League, Arsenal's defense has proven mistake-prone during the last few years, and I expect nothing different in Germany. Schalke are rotating the squad quite a bit recently to keep players fresh, but should have most of their first team on the field Tuesday. Expect the Germans to come away with a minimum of a point but more likely take all three points to send Arsenal further into the mire. An Olympiakos win could threaten a knockout stage appearance as well.
Prediction: Schalke 2-1 Arsenal
UPSET ALERT: Braga v. Manchester United
Manchester United are on upset alert again in Portugal where the Red Devils have historically struggled. Braga have been in the best run of their club's history, but have dropped two of three so far in the Champions League. They moved through United's defense easily in the first half before capitulating in the second during one of United's vintage comebacks. United struggled in Romania and still came out with a win, but this game sets up as a trap game after big domestic wins over Chelsea and Arsenal, as well as a comfortable lead at the top of Group H. Braga are not at the level of their domestic rivals but can compete with bigger clubs, reaching the Europa League final two years ago after defeating Liverpool, Dynamo Kiev and Benfica before losing narrowly to Porto in the final. United may take this game too lightly and their defense is not strong enough to grind out a result in a difficult place to play. Braga could grab a point in this contest and could maybe nick a win with a solid performance.
Prediction: Braga 1-1 Manchester United
OLD RIVALS: Celtic v. Barcelona
Celtic and Barcelona face off again in Glasgow after the Catalans snatched a 2-1 victory in injury time after going a goal down in the first half. It was a surprisingly close encounter, as many of Celtic's fans could hardly believe they were in the game for so long. Unfortunately for the Hoops, the result means the performance was all for nothing, although they still do hold second place in Group G. That type of performance is very difficult to duplicate against Barcelona, and although Celtic are historically very tough at Celtic Park, Barcelona should be a huge favorite in this one. The goals could be flying in left and right but I expect a more subdued game. Celtic will set up to strike on the counter while Barcelona typically dominate possession. I like to root for the underdog but it would take an even better performance for Celtic to grab a share of the spoils on Wednesday. Barcelona won't take them so lightly this time.
Prediction: Celtic 0-2 Barcelona
Full Predictions (Rankings in parentheses):
Real Madrid (1) - Borussia Dortmund (8) : HOME WIN
AC Milan (18) - Malaga (14) : DRAW
Schalke (10) - Arsenal (12) : HOME WIN
Manchester City (5) - Ajax Amsterdam : HOME WIN
PSG (9) - Dinamo Zagreb : HOME WIN (potentially very ugly)
Olympiakos - Montpellier : DRAW
Dynamo Kiev - FC Porto (23) : HOME WIN
Anderlecht - Zenit (15) : AWAY WIN
Celtic (25) - Barcelona (2) : AWAY WIN
Valencia - BATE : HOME WIN
Juventus (7) - FC Nordsjaelland : HOME WIN
Bayern Munich (4) - LOSC Lille : HOME WIN (also potentially very ugly)
Braga - Manchester United (6) : DRAW
Chelsea (3) - Shakhtar Donetsk : HOME WIN
CFR Cluj - Galatasaray : AWAY WIN (no logical reasoning, just instinct)
Benfica (21) - Spartak Moscow : HOME WIN
Monday, September 17, 2012
UEFA Champions League Group Stage - Preview
Finally. The Champions League group stage is here. This is one of the strongest fields of recent years - there are very few teams left that will be severely over-matched. Here is a breakdown of each group:
Group A
Participants: FC Porto, Dynamo Kiev, Paris Saint-Germain, Dinamo Zagreb
Analysis: After a major summer overhaul, PSG start European life in a relatively easy group, despite being chosen from Pot 3. On paper, PSG are one of the most talented sides in Europe, and their progress should come to fruition on the continental stage. There is a major gulf in class between the Parisian side and the rest of the group. Porto are their toughest competitors, but they will have a hard time replacing Hulk after his departure to Zenit. Dynamo Kiev are also without their most formidable strike threat after Andriy Shevchenko retired this summer. Porto and Kiev are an interesting matchup - both have a strong history in Europe and are very tough to beat at home. I think Porto can edge the Ukrainians by gaining a draw away and winning at home to qualify. Dinamo Zagreb are hopeless - last year's campaign was a debacle with zero points from six games, including a suspiciously awful 8-1 loss to Lyon in their last game. They can only go up from last year, but it's hard to see them doing more than grabbing a point or two.
Prediction: 1. PSG 2. Porto 3. Dynamo Kiev 4. Dinamo Zagreb
Group B
Participants: Arsenal, Schalke 04, Olympiakos, Montpellier HSC
Analysis: Arsenal find themselves in a very easy group again this year, and I expect the Gunners to breeze through to the knockout stage. This is more about the weakness of the competition rather than Arsenal's strength - but in Santi Cazorla and a healthy Abou Diaby, Arsenal have enough quality in the midfield to control a game against any of these opponents. Schalke will be a difficult test, with the in-form Klaas-Jan Huntelaar leading the lines for the Germans. Schalke have experience in this competition from their semi-final run two years ago and should be expected to progress here. Olympiakos have been tough the last few years, but the loss of Kevin Mirallas (without any replacement) is a killer, and it will be difficult for the Greeks to come closer to the knockout stage than their narrow miss last year. Montpellier have only lost Olivier Giroud (to Arsenal) from last year's title-winning team, but French teams have not fared well in Europe recently, especially ones with little to no experience (ex. Auxerre two years ago). They will struggle against more seasoned opponents.
Prediction: 1. Arsenal 2. Schalke 3. Olympiakos 4. Montpellier
Group C
Participants: AC Milan, Zenit St. Petersburg, Anderlecht, Malaga
Analysis: Zenit were in the headlines this summer when they secured Hulk and Axel Witsel for a fee in the region of 80 million Euros. Hulk will provide more cutting edge up top for a team that struggled to score in the last year's competition and the Belgian will help the team's depth in central midfield. Zenit will be exciting to watch, and they have a great chance to win this group. Milan's late-summer sales of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to PSG were well-publicized, and are now wide open for criticism. They have dropped two of their first three league games and have struggled to score - two 1-0 home losses to Sampdoria and Atalanta is unacceptable by Milan's standards. The Rossoneri still have enough quality to get through, but it will be much more challenging than previous years. Standing in their way is Malaga, the cash-strapped Spanish club managed by Manuel Pellegrini. Despite having to sell many of their key players, Malaga will be a formidable side on this stage and a tough out. The club have both the talent and spirit to cause the favored teams some trouble. Anderlecht are Belgian champions and will not be pushovers either. There is a strong European tradition and pride at the club as well as quite a bit of experience in the squad. Gillet, Jovanovic, and captain Lucas Biglia all have experience in international fixtures, and the side could make some noise in this group.
Prediction: 1. Zenit 2. AC Milan 3. Malaga 4. Anderlecht
Group D
Participants: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund
Analysis: Group D is clearly the toughest group, with four domestic champions competing, three of which are from the top three ranked leagues in Europe. City and Dortmund both bowed out at the group stage last year, and will have an even tougher task to make the knockout round. Real Madrid look as strong as ever, and after toppling Barcelona in La Liga, it seems like Mourinho's primary objective to win another Champions League crown. It's hard to imagine Madrid going out before the knockout round. Despite their current poor form, I expect Madrid to have a very strong record in this group. On the other end of the spectrum, it's very difficult to see Ajax getting through here. Although Christian Eriksen is rightfully optimistic about his side's chances, the amount of quality in this group will be way too much for the Dutch side. They could pull a few good results through, but any place above third seems very unlikely. That leaves the last place to Dortmund and Man City - and I will select Man City to fall short of the group stage again this year. I believe their focus at heart is beating Man United in the Premier League, and with a group like this, any lapse of focus will be extremely costly. Dortmund have won the Bundesliga two years in a row now and will be more apt to display their style on the continental stage. Having a healthy Mario Gotze as well as adding Marco Reus should boost the side, despite losing Shinji Kagawa. It will be close, as it was with Napoli last year, but I think Man City will come up just short once again.
Prediction: 1. Real Madrid 2. Borussia Dortmund 3. Manchester City 4. Ajax
Group E
Participants: Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus, FC Nordsjaelland
Analysis: The holders are in a difficult group, with an arduous trip to Ukraine coupled with a matchup with Italian champions Juventus, a country where Chelsea have historically struggled. Chelsea have the strongest squad in the group and should find themselves in the knockout round. The squad is full of experience at every position and if the Blues can find a consistent source of goals, it will be easier than many think. Juventus are still in dominant form despite losing manager Antonio Conte to suspension. The momentum from last year's undefeated season in Serie A has continued into this season for the Turin club, which has won its first three fixtures along with the Italian Super Cup. They will be stiff contenders with Chelsea for first place. Shakhtar have competed in the Champions League routinely during the last few years, with one of its greatest victories in its history coming in a 3-2 win at the Nou Camp. However, the side really struggled last year in a relatively soft group, winning just one game, albeit against an APOEL side resting many of its regulars. Shakhtar will be difficult to beat in Ukraine, but will have a difficult time troubling Chelsea or Juventus away from home. FC Nordsjaelland are a complete unknown in this competition. They were surprise Danish champions last year, beating out power club FC Copenhagen, but there are very few recognizable names in their squad. We should not expect much from an unknown and inexperienced side considering the caliber of competition in this group.
Prediction: 1. Chelsea 2. Juventus 3. Shakhtar 4. FC Nordsjaelland
Group F
Participants: Bayern Munich, Valencia, Lille, BATE Borisov
Analysis: Bayern, last year's losing finalists, have a great draw against Valencia, Lille, and BATE. The Bavarians have been blazing out of the gates in the Bundesliga and are by far the strongest side in this group. Bayern will be in the mix for the final again this year and should navigate through without any bumps. Valencia are the second-strongest side, led by Jonas and Roberto Soldado. The Spanish side have been placing third or fourth in La Liga the last few years, and have the quality to do the same this year. Valencia always seems to find themselves in the knockout stage, with last year's drop down to the Europa League being quite the shock. Lille sold Eden Hazard to Chelsea this summer and have done little to replace him, although they do have talented French internationals Mathieu Debuchy and Marvin Martin in their side. Lille will be a tough side to play but do not figure on making in through this group. BATE are in the group stage again after taking out Ironi Kiryat Shmona in the playoffs. BATE have been playing in Europe consistently and will play a disciplined style - they just do not have nearly enough talent to get through this group. They could produce a shock to one of these sides but it's unlikely to expect much more than one or two positive results for the Belorussians.
Prediction: 1. Bayern 2. Valencia 3. Lille 4. BATE
Group G
Participants: Barcelona, Benfica, Spartak Moscow, Celtic
Analysis: Barcelona are among the favorites again for this year's competition despite the departure of coach Pep Guardiola.They were also handed a straightforward group - none of their three competitors will pose too much of a threat. I don't expect Barcelona to be perfect, but they should have no trouble winning this group. The other three sides in the group do not have much between them. Spartak defeated a good Fener side in the playoffs and look to be the strongest of the three. Russian football has been getting stronger and Moscow is always a difficult place to travel, especially in the winter. Celtic are historically dreadful away from home and will have to rely on their results at Celtic Park. The quality of Scottish football has been in a steep decline, and while Celtic feel they have something to prove, they are the most mistake-prone side of the three. Benfica won their group in last year's edition, but losing Witsel so late will harm a team that already needed to reload a bit. However, there is still plenty of quality and Benfica rarely lose at home. There will be no easy games in this group, but I will take the Russians to get through with Barcelona.
Prediction: 1. Barcelona 2. Spartak Moscow 3. Benfica 4. Celtic
Group H
Participants: Manchester United, Sporting Braga, Galatasaray, CFR Cluj
Analysis: United drew the easiest group of any of the four English clubs in the competition. Last year's group stage was an embarrassment for the Red Devils, as they were outplayed and at times outclassed by Benfica and Basel. This year United will make a point to qualify from this group without question, and although I still don't like their defensive set-up, they should have little trouble doing so. They could get exposed by Braga and Galatasaray, but those squads are both weaker than United's opponents last year, and they should be able to pull out the results. The rest of this group should be very close - again, there isn't much between any of the sides. I'm going with Braga to get through, as they have played well in Europe recently and are emerging as a Portuguese power along side traditionals Porto and Benfica. Galatasaray and Cluj represent federations that have seen better days, as both Romania and Turkey have been littered with major match-fixing scandals in the last decade. However, these sides will be very competitive and the fight for second will be close.
Prediction: 1. Manchester United 2. Braga 3. Galatasaray 4. CFR Cluj
Group A
Participants: FC Porto, Dynamo Kiev, Paris Saint-Germain, Dinamo Zagreb
Analysis: After a major summer overhaul, PSG start European life in a relatively easy group, despite being chosen from Pot 3. On paper, PSG are one of the most talented sides in Europe, and their progress should come to fruition on the continental stage. There is a major gulf in class between the Parisian side and the rest of the group. Porto are their toughest competitors, but they will have a hard time replacing Hulk after his departure to Zenit. Dynamo Kiev are also without their most formidable strike threat after Andriy Shevchenko retired this summer. Porto and Kiev are an interesting matchup - both have a strong history in Europe and are very tough to beat at home. I think Porto can edge the Ukrainians by gaining a draw away and winning at home to qualify. Dinamo Zagreb are hopeless - last year's campaign was a debacle with zero points from six games, including a suspiciously awful 8-1 loss to Lyon in their last game. They can only go up from last year, but it's hard to see them doing more than grabbing a point or two.
Prediction: 1. PSG 2. Porto 3. Dynamo Kiev 4. Dinamo Zagreb
Group B
Participants: Arsenal, Schalke 04, Olympiakos, Montpellier HSC
Analysis: Arsenal find themselves in a very easy group again this year, and I expect the Gunners to breeze through to the knockout stage. This is more about the weakness of the competition rather than Arsenal's strength - but in Santi Cazorla and a healthy Abou Diaby, Arsenal have enough quality in the midfield to control a game against any of these opponents. Schalke will be a difficult test, with the in-form Klaas-Jan Huntelaar leading the lines for the Germans. Schalke have experience in this competition from their semi-final run two years ago and should be expected to progress here. Olympiakos have been tough the last few years, but the loss of Kevin Mirallas (without any replacement) is a killer, and it will be difficult for the Greeks to come closer to the knockout stage than their narrow miss last year. Montpellier have only lost Olivier Giroud (to Arsenal) from last year's title-winning team, but French teams have not fared well in Europe recently, especially ones with little to no experience (ex. Auxerre two years ago). They will struggle against more seasoned opponents.
Prediction: 1. Arsenal 2. Schalke 3. Olympiakos 4. Montpellier
Group C
Participants: AC Milan, Zenit St. Petersburg, Anderlecht, Malaga
Analysis: Zenit were in the headlines this summer when they secured Hulk and Axel Witsel for a fee in the region of 80 million Euros. Hulk will provide more cutting edge up top for a team that struggled to score in the last year's competition and the Belgian will help the team's depth in central midfield. Zenit will be exciting to watch, and they have a great chance to win this group. Milan's late-summer sales of Thiago Silva and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to PSG were well-publicized, and are now wide open for criticism. They have dropped two of their first three league games and have struggled to score - two 1-0 home losses to Sampdoria and Atalanta is unacceptable by Milan's standards. The Rossoneri still have enough quality to get through, but it will be much more challenging than previous years. Standing in their way is Malaga, the cash-strapped Spanish club managed by Manuel Pellegrini. Despite having to sell many of their key players, Malaga will be a formidable side on this stage and a tough out. The club have both the talent and spirit to cause the favored teams some trouble. Anderlecht are Belgian champions and will not be pushovers either. There is a strong European tradition and pride at the club as well as quite a bit of experience in the squad. Gillet, Jovanovic, and captain Lucas Biglia all have experience in international fixtures, and the side could make some noise in this group.
Prediction: 1. Zenit 2. AC Milan 3. Malaga 4. Anderlecht
Group D
Participants: Real Madrid, Manchester City, Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund
Analysis: Group D is clearly the toughest group, with four domestic champions competing, three of which are from the top three ranked leagues in Europe. City and Dortmund both bowed out at the group stage last year, and will have an even tougher task to make the knockout round. Real Madrid look as strong as ever, and after toppling Barcelona in La Liga, it seems like Mourinho's primary objective to win another Champions League crown. It's hard to imagine Madrid going out before the knockout round. Despite their current poor form, I expect Madrid to have a very strong record in this group. On the other end of the spectrum, it's very difficult to see Ajax getting through here. Although Christian Eriksen is rightfully optimistic about his side's chances, the amount of quality in this group will be way too much for the Dutch side. They could pull a few good results through, but any place above third seems very unlikely. That leaves the last place to Dortmund and Man City - and I will select Man City to fall short of the group stage again this year. I believe their focus at heart is beating Man United in the Premier League, and with a group like this, any lapse of focus will be extremely costly. Dortmund have won the Bundesliga two years in a row now and will be more apt to display their style on the continental stage. Having a healthy Mario Gotze as well as adding Marco Reus should boost the side, despite losing Shinji Kagawa. It will be close, as it was with Napoli last year, but I think Man City will come up just short once again.
Prediction: 1. Real Madrid 2. Borussia Dortmund 3. Manchester City 4. Ajax
Group E
Participants: Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk, Juventus, FC Nordsjaelland
Analysis: The holders are in a difficult group, with an arduous trip to Ukraine coupled with a matchup with Italian champions Juventus, a country where Chelsea have historically struggled. Chelsea have the strongest squad in the group and should find themselves in the knockout round. The squad is full of experience at every position and if the Blues can find a consistent source of goals, it will be easier than many think. Juventus are still in dominant form despite losing manager Antonio Conte to suspension. The momentum from last year's undefeated season in Serie A has continued into this season for the Turin club, which has won its first three fixtures along with the Italian Super Cup. They will be stiff contenders with Chelsea for first place. Shakhtar have competed in the Champions League routinely during the last few years, with one of its greatest victories in its history coming in a 3-2 win at the Nou Camp. However, the side really struggled last year in a relatively soft group, winning just one game, albeit against an APOEL side resting many of its regulars. Shakhtar will be difficult to beat in Ukraine, but will have a difficult time troubling Chelsea or Juventus away from home. FC Nordsjaelland are a complete unknown in this competition. They were surprise Danish champions last year, beating out power club FC Copenhagen, but there are very few recognizable names in their squad. We should not expect much from an unknown and inexperienced side considering the caliber of competition in this group.
Prediction: 1. Chelsea 2. Juventus 3. Shakhtar 4. FC Nordsjaelland
Group F
Participants: Bayern Munich, Valencia, Lille, BATE Borisov
Analysis: Bayern, last year's losing finalists, have a great draw against Valencia, Lille, and BATE. The Bavarians have been blazing out of the gates in the Bundesliga and are by far the strongest side in this group. Bayern will be in the mix for the final again this year and should navigate through without any bumps. Valencia are the second-strongest side, led by Jonas and Roberto Soldado. The Spanish side have been placing third or fourth in La Liga the last few years, and have the quality to do the same this year. Valencia always seems to find themselves in the knockout stage, with last year's drop down to the Europa League being quite the shock. Lille sold Eden Hazard to Chelsea this summer and have done little to replace him, although they do have talented French internationals Mathieu Debuchy and Marvin Martin in their side. Lille will be a tough side to play but do not figure on making in through this group. BATE are in the group stage again after taking out Ironi Kiryat Shmona in the playoffs. BATE have been playing in Europe consistently and will play a disciplined style - they just do not have nearly enough talent to get through this group. They could produce a shock to one of these sides but it's unlikely to expect much more than one or two positive results for the Belorussians.
Prediction: 1. Bayern 2. Valencia 3. Lille 4. BATE
Group G
Participants: Barcelona, Benfica, Spartak Moscow, Celtic
Analysis: Barcelona are among the favorites again for this year's competition despite the departure of coach Pep Guardiola.They were also handed a straightforward group - none of their three competitors will pose too much of a threat. I don't expect Barcelona to be perfect, but they should have no trouble winning this group. The other three sides in the group do not have much between them. Spartak defeated a good Fener side in the playoffs and look to be the strongest of the three. Russian football has been getting stronger and Moscow is always a difficult place to travel, especially in the winter. Celtic are historically dreadful away from home and will have to rely on their results at Celtic Park. The quality of Scottish football has been in a steep decline, and while Celtic feel they have something to prove, they are the most mistake-prone side of the three. Benfica won their group in last year's edition, but losing Witsel so late will harm a team that already needed to reload a bit. However, there is still plenty of quality and Benfica rarely lose at home. There will be no easy games in this group, but I will take the Russians to get through with Barcelona.
Prediction: 1. Barcelona 2. Spartak Moscow 3. Benfica 4. Celtic
Group H
Participants: Manchester United, Sporting Braga, Galatasaray, CFR Cluj
Analysis: United drew the easiest group of any of the four English clubs in the competition. Last year's group stage was an embarrassment for the Red Devils, as they were outplayed and at times outclassed by Benfica and Basel. This year United will make a point to qualify from this group without question, and although I still don't like their defensive set-up, they should have little trouble doing so. They could get exposed by Braga and Galatasaray, but those squads are both weaker than United's opponents last year, and they should be able to pull out the results. The rest of this group should be very close - again, there isn't much between any of the sides. I'm going with Braga to get through, as they have played well in Europe recently and are emerging as a Portuguese power along side traditionals Porto and Benfica. Galatasaray and Cluj represent federations that have seen better days, as both Romania and Turkey have been littered with major match-fixing scandals in the last decade. However, these sides will be very competitive and the fight for second will be close.
Prediction: 1. Manchester United 2. Braga 3. Galatasaray 4. CFR Cluj
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