Champions' League Preview

Group draw happened today. The big story is Liverpool and Chelsea in the same group. Let's go group by group.

Group A: Bayern Munich, Juventus, Brugge, Rapid Vienna

Tough at the top. Both Munich and Juventus could win the whole thing. Those two ought to go through, but I wouldn't be surprised to see some upsets early on.

Group B: Arsenal, Ajax, Sparta Prague, Thun

Probably the weakest group. Arsenal and Ajax are tops, but look out for Prague before the winter transfer period. I don't think any of these teams are a real threat to win the cup, but a run to the semis is possible for Arsenal.

Group C: Barcelona, Panathinaikos, Werder Bremen, Udinese

Barcelona has probably the easiest path to the top, as they're head and shoulders better than the other three. There should be a pretty good battle for second though. I'd pick Bremen.

Group D: Manchester United, Villarreal, Lille, Benfica

Man U and last year's UEFA Cup quarterfinals. Manchester should clinch advancement by the 4th match. The others are all about even. I'll pick Lille.

Group E: AC Milan, PSV, Schalke, Fenerbahce

The toughest group, top to bottom. Milan have the most talent and should advance. PSV and Schalke both have talent to advance pretty far. It's always tough to play in Turkey too. I'll pick Shalke 04.

Group F: Real Madrid, Lyon, Olympiakos, Rosenborg

A pretty good group. Real ought to be a semifinalist at worst. We'll see how well Lyon uses their Essien bounty. Rosenborg aren't having a good domestic season, so this'll be their prime objective. I'd pick Lyon.

Group G: Liverpool, Chelsea, Anderlecht, Real Betis

The English clubs should advance. Anything short of the final might leave Chelsea's fans upset. Watch out for Betis, the sneaky "other" Spanish side this year.

Group H: Internazionale, Porto, Rangers, Artmedia Bratislava

Rangers fans are excited with the draw, but I don't think they advance. Inter and Porto are better. Artmedia have already done better than expected. None of these teams have a real chance to win it (and that includes Inter).

If I had to bet now, I'd say Barcelona, Chelsea and Milan are the best picks. A dark horse is Lyon.