
Here are the Champions League groups 2009/2010.
Group A
Bayern Munich
Juventus
Bordeaux
Maccabi Haifa
Group B
Manchester United
CSKA Moscow
Besiktas
Wolfsburg
Group C
AC Milan
Real Madrid
Marseille
FC Zurich
Group D
Chelsea
Porto
Atletico Madrid
APOEL Nicosia
Group E
Liverpool
Lyon
Fiorentina
Debrecen
Group F
Barcelona
Inter Milan
Dinamo Kiev
Rubin Kazan
Group G
Sevilla
Rangers
Stuttgart
Unirea Urziceni
Group H
Arsenal
AZ Alkmaar
Olympiakos
Standard Liege
Predictions
Group A- A very tough group. Bayern Munich and Juventus have proven class, although Bordeaux are French Champions. I can't really see Maccabi Haifa making much of an impact although they might pick up a few results at home. Juventus and Bayern are my pick to go through.
Group B- Runners up last year Man Utd were handed a difficult enough group, but they should have the strength to qualify. Champions of Germany and Turkey, Wolfsburg and Besiktas, were also drawn in this group, along with CSKA Moscow. A difficult group, but i expect Man Utd and Wolfsburg to qualify.
Group C- Probably the most exciting group of them all, simply because it includes Real Madrid. Everyone will want to see how the big name signing do in the big stage. They will face AC Milan, Marseille and FC Zurich. Milan are obviously a massive team with a huge reputation in Europe, and Marseille also have the quality to compete but i expect Real Madrid and AC Milan to qualify.
Group D- In my opinion this will be a fascinating group. Chelsea are obvious favourites, but Athletico and Porto are both very good teams and I expect this to go down to the wire. Nicosia might as well try enjoy their spell in Europe, its likely to only last six games. I expect Chelsea to qualify, and I think Athletico will just nudge second place.
Group E- In a group with Liverpool, Lyon and Fiorentina you can expect a very close race for qualification to the next round. Lyon have been very good in Europe over the years, and Liverpool have also been among the top teams in the Champions League. Fiorentina will be no walk overs either though and you can expect them to challenge strongly. Debrecen will be out of their comfort zone playing these top team. In my opinion, Liverpool and Lyon are going through.
Group F- Reiging Champions Barcelona will be expected to go the distance again this year will have to fight Inter Milan for a top spot. The other two teams, Dinamo Kiev and Ruben Kazan, will be competing for a Uefa Cup place. Inter have been known to under perform in Europe, but i fully expect them and Barcelona to qualify.
Group G- Rangers, Sevilla, Stuttgart and Unirea Urziceni make up this group and it doesn't really look very exciting does it. Rangers, Sevilla and Stuttgart will fight it out to qualify, but I expect Sevilla and Stuttgart to make the cut, with Rangers making Uefa Cup.
Group H- Arsenal will be very pleased with their draw, with only one team capable on challenging for top spot. Olympiakos will fight all the way and i would expect them to finish second, with Standard Liege third and AZ Alkmaar to finish last. I was surprised to see AZ Alkmaar seeded in the second group, with teams of far higher quality in lower groups.