With 4 groups gone , it is now time to look at the other four groups:
GROUP E: Bayern Munich, Roma, CFR Cluj, Basel
The group is a two horse group with the other two teams lacking the punch to challenge for qualification. But Bayern Munich would be facing stern opposition from Roma who are in an upbeat mood following Totti’s claim that this is the year when they would be making history. With the arrival of Adriano, the striking department looks pretty solid.
Bayern Munich on the other hand would be competing with the same team as last year and would be having a fully confident with Thomas Muller in the team as an added advantage. With Ribery committing his future to the Munich based club, this can be the year when they go one step further and win the elusive prize.
Cluj, the Romanian club would be competing for the second time and would have the experience of the first particpation in their ranks. It would be a fight for the Europa League between Cluj and Basel.
MY PICK: Bayern Munich and AS Roma
GROUP F: Chelsea, Marseille, Spartak Moscow, MSK Zillina
Chelsea would be breathing a sigh of relief after last night as they have been drawn in an easier group in comparison to their title rivals. With tough away matches seriously having an adverse effect on the league form, this might be a cause of worry as they have to face Spartak on a synthetic turf. Apart from that, it would be easy for Chelsea to progress to the next round. Marseille are Champions League veterans having played many times and would be extra confident following their league success after many years. Spartak Moscow would be puttimg some surprise results but the group looks set as Chelsea and Marseille being the top two teams.
MY PICK : Chelsea and Marseille
GROUP G: AC Milan , Real Madrid, Ajax, Auxerre
A potential explosive group on the cards, Jose Mourinho would be grim faced having to face tough and tricky oppositions so early. Milan and Real Madrid are perennial rivals and they would be resuming their rivalry in their quest to top the group. However in Ajax Amsterdam and AJ Auxerre, they have teams who are giant killers and very strong at home. This was amply demonstrated when Ajax wiped out their 1-0 disadvantage against Zenit St. Petersburg to come out winners. Ajax would also be trying to prove a point and although winning the Champions League after 15 years is almost out of question, denting the hopes of one of the heavyweights and progressing further would be their aim.
MY PICK : Real Madrid, Ajax
GROUP H: Arsenal, Shaktar Donetsk, Partizan Belgrade, Braga
Although the group looks relatively easy on paper, yet it contains almost all the surprise and giant killing teams. Arsenal would be desperate not to slip up and con cede the top spot.
Braga have proved to be giant slayers this time around dumping Celtic and Sevilla out of the competition. A good run is expected. Shaktar Donetsk knows pretty well that a second place finish is a dream not far fetched and would be kicking their heels if they fail to do so.
MY PICK : Arsenal, Shaktar