2009-2010 UEFA Champions League Preview

After a long four month hiatus, the UEFA Champions League is set to officially begin. This year’s qualification system did change a bit, but the format from here on out is still the same. 32 sides -- 8 groups of 4 teams each -- representing a total of 18 nations will partake in the most prestigious of club competitions this year. 16 of these clubs will move onto the knockout stages. These knock-out stages are pretty much do-or-die. Each team will play one leg at home and the other on the road. The team with the most goals scored advances. In the event of a tie, the team with the most away goals will win via the away goals rule. If still tied, then extra time will be played right then and there. If no one scores, then the match will go to penalties. This format will also be used in the quarterfinals and semifinals. This year’s final will be hosted at the Santiago Bernabeu, the home of Real Madrid. The final is a one-off tie and if tied at 90, then the match will go to a 30-minute overtime period. If still tied, it will progress to the dreaded penalties. Ok, now let’s get to the fun stuff. Let’s look at the teams (nation of origin and last year’s domestic league finish in parentheses).

GROUP A
Bayern Munich (Germany, 2nd)

Last season was one of the most disappointing seasons in recent memory for Bayern. Not only did Barcelona walk all over them in the Quarter-Finals by a resounding 5-1 score, but they also failed to win the Bundesliga. But one can also say that in a terrible season, they still only lost by a point or two. So far this season, I like Bayern Munich. This group looks really good for them and I expect big things. The signing of Arjen Robben and the maintaining of Franck Ribery has proven crucial to the German Giants. Bayern are also fairly young now, so look out for them. Prediction: 1st
Juventus (Italy, 2nd)

Juve had arguably their best season since being demoted to Serie B last term. The Zebra-striped side played fairly well last season domestically but still managed to fall off Inter’s pace by 10 points in what many consider a weak Italian league last term. I disagree, but I won’t go there. As for Juve’s run in this competition last year, it was not so good. Yes, they got out of the group, but they- like the other Italian teams- went down in the round of 16. But they did go down to Chelsea, so no shame there. This year, this side is still going to be riding the backs of Alessandro Del Piero and Gianluigi Buffon. New signing Diego should bring some help to Del Piero and Amauri and could really give opposing sides trouble in the knockout rounds where it only takes one man stepping up and performing. Juve are a little older, so this may come back to hurt them. But it won’t hurt them in the group stages. Prediction: 2nd
Bordeaux (France, 1st)

The French champions had a wonderful season domestically last term by finally ending the tyranny of French domination by powerhouse Olympique Lyonnais. This French side didn’t have much luck at all last term in the Champions League, however. They did decent last year, but not well enough to advance. The game that sticks in mind is that 4-0 defeat to Chelsea. Bordeaux are led by talismanic midfielder Yoan Gourcuff and the ever-so desired Moroccan Marouane Chamakh. If these two can really step it up, Bordeaux have a chance to progress. They certainly won’t fold over and die for these other powers. Prediction: 3rd
Maccabi Haifa (Israel, 1st)

The Israeli champions have progressed again to the group stages by defeating the likes of Glentoran and Aktobe. The side is led by captain and former West Ham star Yaniv Katan. They are also led in defense by South Africa’s Tsepo Masilela. The Israelis are really going to look to get a couple of points and be happy. But they will definitely give their all in this very difficult group. Prediction: 4th

GROUP B

Manchester United (England, 1st)

The English champions and perennial world power will once again have a difficult challenge in group play. With long trips to Moscow and to Istanbul coupled with two matches against relentless attackers Wolfsburg, they look up against it again. But really, who is going to doubt United? I most certainly will not. They drop a few points on the road, but they should still come out on top because of these teams beating all over one another. Last season’s runners-up are without Cristiano Ronaldo now and are looking for someone to fill that gap. Wayne Rooney looks poised to do so and his defensive mates will also keep teams out of the nets on most occasions. I really like United’s chances, even in this group. Prediction: 1st
Wolfsburg (Germany, 1st)

The German champions come into the tourney this year with a lot to prove to Europe. The Germans are led by a three-prong attack of Grafite, Edin Dzeko, and Zvejezdan Misimovic. Wolfsburg scores plenty of goals in most of their matches, so it will be interesting to see how that converts to the Champions League. They will likely hold back a little, but not much. At home, they will be free-flowing. Wolfsburg are one of the top favorites, but they will have to do the job by getting points on the road. That may be the problem for Wolfsburg. Regardless, this group will be very fun to watch. Most of the home matches will be won in this one. Prediction: 2nd
CSKA Moscow (Russia, 2nd)

The Russian runner-ups are also going to have a difficult time in this group. One of the faster teams in the competition, the Russians will look to use that pace on their artificial surface at the Luzhniki. The Russians are led by Russian international and captain goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev, a huge prospect for any big Euro club. His defensive mates Sergei Ignashevich and Alexsei Bereztskiy will look to bolster what looks to be a strong team. In this group, they will do well if they keep the ball out of the net. But that’s easier said that done when you’re in a group with Nihat, Rooney, and Grafite. Prediction: 3rd
Besiktas (Turkey, 1st)

The Turkish champions have an immense challenge in what is going to prove to be the toughest group of the tourney. Any 2 of these 4 have realistic shots at progressing and the Turks can be one of those with 3 home wins and a couple of draws. Besiktas are led by Turkey international Nihat Kahveci. The striker transferred from Villareal after a successful term with the Spanish club. Look for him to help Besiktas cause a lot of trouble- especially at home in Istanbul. One foil in Besiktas’ way could be goalkeeper Rustu Recber, a former Barcelona player. Rustu is very shaky nowadays at times and he will need to play well if the Istanbul club is to have any chance at progressing. Turkey have hopes for this side to show just how strong the country is. I think they’ll be acquitted for nicely despite not advancing. Prediction: 4th

GROUP C
Real Madrid (Spain, 2nd)

The Spanish runner-up come into this season in search of a lot of glory. After acquiring the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema, and Xabi Alonso, Madrid are looking to turn this team back into the galacticos of old. By the way, don’t tell anyone that the first version didn’t even work. With these stars and a fairly easy group (it may not appear easy, but it really is), Madrid are going to be able to take the group and more than likely avoid a big-name side unlike year’s past. If they do this, then this team is set to make a run to the Semis potentially. Key to their success will be goalkeeper Iker Casillas all because Real’s defense is less than stellar. Prediction: 1st
AC Milan (Italy, 3rd)

The Italian powerhouse has had its fair share of trouble over the last few seasons. And last year wasn’t one of their greatest seasons of all-time. They were made to look like fools in the UEFA Cup and they also were upstaged by rivals Inter Milan two times (not to mention that 4-0 defeat earlier this season). Milan have a ton of talent- but the problem is injury and just being plain out old. This team needs new blood and they didn’t really go out and get much. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar and Alexandre Pato will lead the attack as the two youngest players in a line-up of over-the-hillers. AC might have a chance to do well if everyone stays healthy (mostly Andrea Pirlo). But if not healthy, this team is in for big trouble in this tourney. Prediction: 2nd
Marseille (France, 2nd)

The French side will look to finally clear the last hurdle and make it into the knockout stages after being involved with difficult groups over the past two or three seasons. Manager Didier Deschamps will turn to goalkeeper Steve Mandanda and striker/captain Mamadou Niang for leadership. Marseille will need a great effort to progress, but they could get their. The lack of depth in their side is going to hurt them for sure, however. That will ultimately be where the wheels fall off the proverbial bus. Prediction: 3rd
FC Zurich (Switzerland, 1st)

The Swiss champion comes into this competition with hopes of a couple of results and a possible parachute into the Europa League- or at least you’d think so. The Swiss side just doesn’t have the strength to make a push to get out of the group and I’d really be surprised to see them make it into the Europa League. Johan Vonlanthen is currently the only player of quality and it will be tough for the Swiss to get him the ball. Look for them to pack it in and hope for a couple of miracle draws and a couple of hit-and-run wins to make it into the aforementioned Europa League. Prediction: 4th

GROUP D
Chelsea (England, 3rd)

This English powerhouse is currently my favorite to win it all. Here’s the reason why: look how similar they are to the AC Milan side that won back in 2007. They have tons of depth and are all experienced enough to get the job done in European play. But they aren’t all old (like they’ll be when they can finally bring in some new faces again) like AC Milan. Midfielder Frank Lampard and strikers Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka will lead this team in the front while Captain John Terry serves as the rear-guard. Chelsea have all the depth needed and look a ton like that Milan side. Right now I’m thinking Barca/Chelsea in the final. And I’m thinking this is Chelsea’s year. Even in this insanely difficult group. Prediction: 1st
FC Porto (Portugal, 1st)

Last year’s most pleasant surprise have once again re-loaded after selling off star player Lisandro Lopez. This team always seems to re-load and it will be no different this time around. Expect Porto to play the same free-flowing style as last season and to take opposing defenses head-on like they did to United. Captain Bruno Alves will play a crucial role in defense while midfielder Raul Meireles will drive the team. Look for Hulk as well. I expect a break-out year for that Brazilian. Prediction: 2nd
Atletico Madrid (Spain, 4th)

The other bunch from Madrid had to work out to get here, but they did do so. And it doesn’t look great for them now that they’ve made it. After Porto ran with them last year, I just don’t see this side running with them or Chelsea. And the defense is absolutely horrendous. The loss of Johnny Heitinga- the only decent defender they had- will cost them dearly. I really don’t see them doing well. But if they do well, it will have to be on the backs of strikers Diego Forlan and Sergio Aguero. Prediction: 3rd
APOEL (Cyprus, 1st)

The Cypriot side “Legend” are making their first appearance in the Champions League this year. The side have progressed after winning out over Danish giant FC Copenhagen. The club is lead by Captain Marinos Satsias, who has played for the club for his entire professional career. He has featured 246 times and scored 23 goals. Polish striker Marcin Zewlakow will also bring quality into the side that will look just to get a couple of points and be happy. But a win would mean a lot to Cypriot football. Remember Anorthosis last year? They nearly broke in to the knockout rounds. Let’s see if Cyprus will continue to rise up. Prediction: 4th


GROUP E
Liverpool (England, 2nd)

The English runner-up come off one of their best seasons in 20 years domestically, but didn’t do quite as well as expected in Europe. But then again, they either they or Chelsea would have to go. Overall, Liverpool are one of the best teams in Europe and have been over the last 5 years. Right up there with United, Chelsea, Barcelona, AC Milan, and Arsenal. Liverpool are led by Captain Steven Gerrard and striker Fernando Torres. Liverpool have a couple of worrisome problems as well. With the loss of Xabi Alonso to Real Madrid, the side don’t have the bite in the center of the park like they did. New signing Alberto Aquilani will be his replacement. Liverpool will need a lot from him if they are to do well in this competition. Unless Steven Gerrard starts to drop in deeper than he’s played in years. Despite all of this, Liverpool should still come through one of the tough groups yet again this term. Prediction: 1st
Lyon (France, 3rd)

The French powerhouse come off one of the worst domestic seasons in the last 20 years. And they still qualified for the Champions League. For 7 years, Lyon reigned supreme, but last year that all changed. This season has once again gotten off to a good start for the new-look side. They have 10 points through 4 matches in Ligue 1 and they progressed to the group stages via an 8-2 aggregate victory over Belgian side Anderlecht, who is a pretty good team. Lyon are a high-flying side and have went through some pretty major changes this offseason- but they still look like the same style of team. The losses of Karim Benzema, Juninho, and Fabio Grosso made way for the likes of Bafetimbi Gomis and Lisandro Lopez. Lopez and Gomis will lead the new-look attack to new heights and should see this team score quite a few goals, even in a tough group. Another player to watch will be young Bosnian Miralem Pjanic, who can take free-kicks a lot like Juninho could. Look for this Lyon side to make a splash and don’t be surprised if they go to the quarter-finals this time around. Prediction: 2nd
Fiorentina (Italy, 4th)

The Italians nicknamed “La Viola” will embark on their second successive Champions League campaign. After drawing a difficult group last year, Fiorentina have managed to do so yet again this time around. Fiorentina is a high-flying style team that will make for some very interesting match-ups in this group (especially with Lyon). Fiorentina play a 4-3-3 and are led by strikers Adrian Mutu and Alberto Gilardino. If these two play well, then anything can happen. Fiorentina’s hopes will hinge of the hands of goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, who is currently trying to prove his worth to the French national team. Frey will need to play well in this group for Fio to advance. Overall, I like Fio’s team but I think that they will just fall short. Prediction: 3rd
Debreceni (Hungary, 1st)

The Hungarian champions are more than a bit of mystery. They are a total unknown. The Loki play in a stadium that seats about 10,000 people. That isn’t very many for a European champion in any league. They are led into this group by Captain Zoltan Kiss and striker Lorant Olah. The Hungarian champions will have a massive advantage at home, but on the road they will be completely against it. Two points would be a major achievement for this side in this group. Prediction: 4th

GROUP F
Barcelona (Spain, 1st)

The reigning Spanish, European, and Spanish Cup champions come into this tourney as a favorite to go to the final. Led by creative centerpiece Xavi Hernandez and little Lionel Messi, the Catalan giants look set to make yet another run. Barca have all the pieces yet again and I fully expect them to make it to the final at the very least. Goalkeeping and defense is the factor that could hold them back. But it probably won’t because of the strength of the attack. Don’t expect much high-flying in this group. Barca should fly. Prediction: 1st
Inter Milan (Italy, 1st)

The Italian champions haven’t had the greatest of luck lately in European play. This side always seem to slip up and draw one of the tougher teams and then they let it slip away in the round of 16. This year, Inter have made a few changes. They’ve swapped Zlatan Ibrahimovic for Samuel Eto’o and have brought Wesley Snejder from Real Madrid. Jose Mourinho, a master of the Champions League, will look to get over the last hurdle. And this could be the year with the changes that they have made. This side isn’t going to rely on one man any more. This is certainly true: Inter are set up for a deeper run this year and there is no excuse this time around if they don’t go deep. Prediction: 2nd
Rubin Kazan (Russia, 1st)

The Russian champions set out to prove that they are no fluke and to flex Russian muscle. In a tough group, the Tartarstan side should showcase fairly well. They are led by Captain and Russian international Sergei Semak and striker Aleksandr Bukharov. The Russians have a very good side and I expect them to do well. But they will only figure out a way to go to Europa League action. Prediction: 3rd
Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine, 1st)

The Ukrainian champions come in to a difficult group as a definite side to watch after the run Shaktar made in the last UEFA Cup. Dynamo are one of the teams that are starting to show just how good eastern Europe is at football. They are led by captain and returning star Andriy Shevchenko. After 10 successful seasons (and some unsuccessful ones) overseas, he has moved back to the Ukraine to lead his first side. Another key player for Kiev will be goalkeeper Olexsandr Shovkovskiy. The Ukraine international has been fairly successful for country and will look to continue that form for Kiev, who could make a splash. But I don’t see them staying in Europe at all. Prediction: 4th

GROUP G
Sevilla (Spain, 3rd)

The Spaniards once again have made the Champions League and this time they’ll look to make an actual impact. In year’s past, they haven’t done much and have went largely unnoticed for their work. But let’s not forget that this is a very good team with some good players that could go deep under the right circumstances. Led by Brazilian striker Luis Fabiano and starlet Jesus Navas, Sevilla are looking to make a big splash. Fabiano is a golden boot in the making, so Sevilla could be a massive threat to anyone- especially in the two-legged tie away from home. The free-flowing style could push them into their first real run in the Champions League. But that will all hinge on the goalkeeper and the defense. Prediction: 1st
Stuttgart (Germany, 3rd)

This German side come off a fairly good season last term. They competed until the very end in the Bundesliga last term and they look set to make a decent run this time around. In the Champions League, I expect a little from this Stuttgart side. They are a very capable side, but they just aren’t good enough to make a deep run. They are led by Russian striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, Captain Thomas Hitzlsperger, and the on-loan Barca man Aleksandr Hleb. This is a good side that likes to play attractive football (they are in the Bundesliga), but they loss of Mario Gomez to Bayern will hurt a lot. Prediction: 2nd
Unirea Urziceni (Romania, 1st)

The Romanian champions come into this tourney as a massive dark-horse. And I think that I might just go off and call them by official dark-horse for the Champions League. This team is built on chemistry by its looks. Every player- with the exception of three- is from Eastern Europe. And the vast majority are from Romania. Let’s look at the teams that they beat to make it here. They outplayed quite a few good sides from Romania. Teams like Steaua Bucuresti, Dinamo Bucuresti, and CFR Cluj. Beware of this side especially at home. “Chelsea of lalomita,” as they are known, boast players like Captain George Galamez and Marius Bilasco. I have a feeling that this team will be there on the last matchday. But I see them falling just short. Maybe they can go on and win the Europa League. Prediction: 3rd
Rangers (Scotland, 1st)

The Scottish champions finally did it last year. They took the title away from Celtic for the first time in 3 years and that gives them an automatic berth into this year’s group stage. Before I tell you about the team, I’m going to be brutally honest with you. The SPL isn’t very good and I don’t believe Rangers have too much quality in their side. Therefore, I don’t see them doing well. Even against Unirea (especially on the road). In any case, Rangers are certainly not a horrible side. But I don’t believe that they could compete with any of the top 10 sides in England to be honest. Rangers are led by goal scoring machine Kris Boyd (a fine player) and an on-loan Jerome Rothen. These two will need to play well to keep Rangers in it. The most important thing for Rangers is the home-field advantage that they will have for 3 matches. If they don’t get 7 points, then they will probably be done. Prediction: 4th


GROUP H
Arsenal (England, 4th)

Arsenal come off of a good season last year. They took fourth comfortably and went to the semis of this competition. This year they are looking to do one better by advancing to the final with the budding youngsters of Arsene Wenger. Arsenal are one of the fastest sides in football with or without the football. They also boast what might turn out to be the best foreign midfield duo in history in Andrei Arshavin and Cesc Fabregas. These two guys are beautiful on the ball and have worked oh so well thus far. And they haven’t really got started yet. Remember that night at Anfield when those two tore it up for Arshavin’s 4 goals? Well, expect more of that when Fabregas comes back. Arsenal also boast some great depth and a very underrated goalkeeper in England hopeful Manuel Almunia. The defense, which has looked stellar this year, will be the key. This could be Arsenal’s year to go to the final. Arsenal should take at least 15 points from this group. They probably will be able to rest the last two games in this “Group of Life” as an old friend of mind would say. Prediction: 1st
Olympiakos (Greece, 1st)

The Greek champions are one of those teams that just never fully go away. Many of these guys haven’t gotten away since that unexpected win in Euro 2004 and they just continue their legacy in this competition. This team has blanked Real Madrid, fought tooth-and-nail with Roma for a spot in the last 16, and just caused fits. This year should be no different. Much like rival Panathinaikos, this team could enjoy a little run if they can get out of the group. Overall, I like them better because they have more depth and experience. Captain goalkeeper Antonios Nikopolidis is solid in goal. In front of him is the tree of a man named Olof Mellberg. Up front, they boast a strong core including Matt Derbyshire and Diogo. I think this team could make a splash. But I’m not expecting a run to the final or anything. Prediction: 2nd
Standard Liege (Belgium, 1st)

The Belgian champions are also a pesky side. If you don’t believe me, then go watch the tape of them and Liverpool in the qualifying round last year. Liverpool didn’t score a goal for about 210 minutes. The Belgians boast some nice players and among them are much-desired midfielder/ Captain Steven Defour. This team has the ability to dig in and hold the best of teams to a draw or to keep hold of a lead. And that makes for a great quality when visiting some tough areas. I like Standard Liege in this group (like all the teams), but someone has to go to the Europa League. And this time it is them. Prediction: 3rd
AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands, 1st)

The Dutch champions are one of three teams that will be fighting for the number two slot in the group. Any of these three could take it, but even I’m not sure whom that could be at the moment. At this moment, a headache has ensued and I’m trying to just figure it out. Alkmaar are the champions of a depleted league as of right now. What happened to the PSV Eindhovens and Ajaxs? Those teams used to always put up a good fight. Not to diss AZ, but they aren’t exactly that material. But they do have one player that is worth mentioning. This man could be a star someday. His name is Mounir El Hamdaoui. This guy is a genius in front of goal and his record shows it: 34 goals from 57 games. Pretty impressive stuff right there. In a group where number two could be won by one player, the Moroccan could be the man. We shall see. Prediction: 4th