Big Ears is Back!

When it comes to the UEFA Champions League there's no such thing as an easy match. Every match, as uneven on paper as the teams may seem, is liable to cause a surprise; it would neither be the first time nor would it be the last. Yet by large there are matches which are definitely more challenging than others. Yesterday we saw the draw for group stage of this year's UEFA Champions League....it saw a couple of interesting draws and some rather less interesting pair up's.

Group A

Bayern Munich

Villarreal

Manchester City

Napoli

It would be fair to say that the group with a representative from Italy, England, Spain and Germany is by far this year's group of death. For a Bayern Munich hopeful of making it to the final to be held in their own Allianz Arena and a Manchester City hoping to show long time rivals Manchester United that they can make it too, life could not be any more complicated. Bayern Munich can be fairly equated to be the strongest side of this group but not by enough to make their safe passage as obvious fact. The truth is that in this group even the team from the 4th pot is by far a team capable of handling the strongest of sides and the most hostile of environments. Napoli are no push over and I'm sure that will be keen to prove that upon their return in Europe. Manchester City have a squad to be envied and an experienced Roberto Mancini as coach. Yet for Manchester City this is its first European adventure. Doesn't mean Manchester City should be taken as a novice easily brushed away but the fact that its all so new will definitely make the challenge more challenging for the Blues. Villarreal may lack the glamour and glitz of Real Madrid and Barcelona but its a quality side able to perform when required.

Prediction: Bayern Munich 1st, Manchester City 2nd

Group B

Inter

CSKA Moscow

Lille

Trabzonspor

By far one of the less interesting groups is Group B which should see Inter making it through to the next stage fairly early. Putting aside the away match to CSKA Moscow Inter should have no trouble at all doing away with all the other teams. Trabzonspor shouldn't even be in the UEFA Champions League. They're actually filling in for corruption ridden Fenerbahce; they had failed to make it to this stage on their own merit. Lille is no push over and can over a good match but they are no match for the giants which are Inter. CSKA Moscow will make the best use of home advantage....but home advantage is their single biggest asset.

Prediction: Inter 1st, CSKA Moscow 2nd

Group C

Manchester United

Benfica

Basel

Otelul

Manchester United and Benfica are two quality sides who will surely give each other a good run for their money. I do believe Manchester United to be a stronger side, better able to handle a strong opponent both home and away but Benfica are perhaps a worthy challenger. Overall however Manchester United should find life in the UEFA Champions League fairly easier then rivals Manchester City. Basel and Otelul may be worthy opponents in their respective league but if they want a crack at United they're going to have to make good use of the park the bus in front of the goal post kind of play....and make sure Wayne Rooney doesn't score! I do believe that this group will see a much harsher battle between Basel and Otelul for 3rd place than it will for 1st and 2nd place.

Prediction: Manchester United 1st, Benfica 2nd

Group D

Real Madrid

Olyimpique Lyon

Ajax

Dynamo Zagreb

Taking away Real Madrid from the equation this group is so well balanced its almost interesting. Lyon, Ajax and Zagreb are definitely fairly even matched and the matches they play against each other will surely be interesting pair up's between rather low key sides with a strong desire to make it big and with the potential to be the black horse in the race. Real Madrid of course are by far in a league of their own here and apart from Lyon I can't see the other teams handle the pressure of playing in Madrid.

Prediction: Real Madrid 1st, Ajax 2nd

Group E

Chelsea

Valencia

Bayer Leverkusen

Genk

No disrespect intended but Genk seem to have a pretty tall order here! There is surely no debating the superb class of Chelsea. The team is simply studded with class and causes fear in almost any opponent. A trip to Stamford Bridge is never a walk in the park, and Chelsea's new coach will be eager to cement that reputation. Valencia on their part are another team with such a great history, such class, such an ability to snatch those all important 3 points. Bayer Leverkusen have a canny ability of being the black horse that makes it successfully past the finish line. Genk are to be respected and have shown resolve in making it this far, but I fear they will be somewhat outclassed at this level.

Prediction: Chelsea 1st, Bayer Leverkusen 2nd

Group F

Arsenal

Marseille

Olympiacos

Borussia Dortmund

The team from the 1st pot is not always the best team in the group....nothing proves that statement more than this group. Arsenal are by far a shadow of their former past and Wenger might well learn that all too painfully in his native France. The Gunners do not have the fire power needed to overcome a very strong and competitive Marseille side. Borussia Dortmund might also be a cause of worry for the Gunners. Olympiacos won't fair badly....but they'll fail to shine.

Predictions: Marseille 1st, Borussia Dortmund 2nd

Group G

Porto

Shahktar Donetsk

Zenit St. Petersburg

Apoel

This group is the chance of a life time group. Take away Porto these teams are all strong teams with a fairly decent squad who have always failed to move ahead. Playing against one another should provide the excellent chance to prove themselves. Yet again Zenit will have to make best use of home advantage....but it won't be easy against neighbours Shahktar. Apoel might find the going slightly beyond it.

Prediction: Porto 1st, Zenit St. Petersburg 2nd

Group H

Barcelona

AC Milan

Bate Borisov

Viktoria Plzen

No game is easy...but for AC Milan it couldn't get any tougher then facing mighty Barcelona. Barcelona are well poised to make a good run for a back to back UEFA Champions League victory. Their team is sheer world class and it seems nobody and nothing can stop Pep Guardiola's side from knocking victory after victory. A match against the Italian Champions should surely give Pep's side a good test, but I do believe Barcelona can gain the upper hand over AC Milan, especially on opening day at the Camp Nou. AC Milan will thus have to make sure they play quality games against Bate Borisov and Viktoria Plzen, teams whose lack of fame should not cloud anyone's judgment into thinking that they are not worthy opponents capable of winning.

Prediction: Barcelona 1st, AC Milan 2nd