Before I start, I acknowledge that this piece is somewhat hypothetical, as not all of the teams I will discuss have booked their places in the competition, but I am writing as though they get through their qualifying rounds and into the group stages.
The up and coming season’s Champions League looks as though it could be one of the best ever. There are many teams that will feel they have a genuine chance they can lift the trophy in May, and I will take a look at a few of them.
The Favourites-Bayern Munich
The current holders and best team in Europe. It is hard to look anywhere else. Last season they looked unstoppable, they were dominant over almost all opposition, even the mighty Barcelona. With a new manager at the helm, somebody called Pep, will it be the same this season? In my opinion, yes. With the signatures of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara already under their belt, things only look to be improving for the German champions. Surprisingly though, they are not my pick as winners.
My Pick-Real Madrid
It is about time the most successful club in European history won again is it not? The 2001/02 season seems like a very long time ago now. I have a feeling Carlo Ancelotti could be the man to make the difference, with some brilliant signings already made in Isco and Illarramendi, as well as Carvajal, Madrid have strength in depth in all positions. With the departure of Gonzalo Higuain apparently imminent, we all wait in anticipation to see who they will replace him with. Luis Suarez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic are the two names flying around currently, either of which could provide the final piece to the puzzle.
One To Watch-Napoli
Rafa Benitez is a success in Europe wherever he goes, and I expect his time at Napoli to be no different. The signings already made provide quality all over the field, and if Higuain and Reina are confirmed, I expect big things from them. The front four is good enough to match almost anybody with the addition of Higuain, and if one or two more top class defenders are signed, the semi finals would not be beyond them. Rafa proved how good a manager he is when he won the Champions league in 2005 with a relatively weak Liverpool side, imagine what he can do with a team packed with top class talent.
English Clubs-Arsenal
It will be much the same for Arsenal this year, unless they spend all of their supposed ‘£70 million war chest’. With the squad they currently have, they will struggle to compete with the big boys, so two or three world class players need to be added, then they will stand a better chance.
Chelsea
What Chelsea need is a world class striker. Should they sign one, and I firmly believe they will, they will be right up there challenging once again. With Jose at the helm, Chelsea should be a united club determined to satisfy Abramovich’s fantasies once again. I think they will fall short however, with their midfield and defence lacking the depth needed to compete on all fronts. Their front four is enough to kill off any team though, so who knows?
Manchester City
I believe this could be the year they make it out of the group stage. Pellegrini seems to know what he is doing. There will be less drama around the club with Balotelli and Mancini long gone, and matters on the pitch should be the main focal point. Proven European players have come in, and will make the difference to City’s European season.
Manchester United
For once, at this early stage, I am counting United out. With Moyes’ lack of European experience, I believe his introductory season will disappoint on a European front, with success only coming on a domestic level. Next year maybe. This year, maybe not.
Other teams to look out for are fairly obvious as well, with Juventus and PSG bound to be in the mix come the knockout rounds, as well as Barcelona and Dortmund. My predictions for the four semi finalists are; Madrid, Bayern, Napoli and Barcelona.
This is all very hypothetical yes, as transfers between now and September could well completely change everything. Either way, it’s guaranteed to be a good year.
Written by @jonnycraven1
Footy For All 