Even though Bayern thumped a hapless and very inexperienced Sporting side, you have to believe that Bayern rely far too much on Franck Ribery, who I would put alongside Steven Gerrard, Lionel Messi, Kaka, Ronaldo as world class talismen. Interesting to see Klinsmann stick to a rigid three man defence even though they are far too inconsistent in the Bundesliga and concede some terrible goals.
As Souness said yesterday, there are big named teams but not big teams in the competition which might be considered harsh but its a fair comment. I would certainly say the winners are either Barcelona, United, Chelsea or Liverpool. I think Arsenal might struggle at the Stadio Olimpico and even though Juve performed well against Chelsea yesterday, there is a sense that this Chelsea side under Guus Hiddink will start to pick up some form and Drogba might return to his best form which we haven't seen in nearly one and half seasons.
As much as the Champions League does look appetising to the neutral, you have to believe that the speed and intensity of the top three English clubs and the potent and lethal attacking threat of Barcelona will be far too much for the remaining sides. I would like to be proved wrong (certainly in the case of Inter Milan)in the spirit of competition but its highly unlikely.
As Souness said yesterday, there are big named teams but not big teams in the competition which might be considered harsh but its a fair comment. I would certainly say the winners are either Barcelona, United, Chelsea or Liverpool. I think Arsenal might struggle at the Stadio Olimpico and even though Juve performed well against Chelsea yesterday, there is a sense that this Chelsea side under Guus Hiddink will start to pick up some form and Drogba might return to his best form which we haven't seen in nearly one and half seasons.
As much as the Champions League does look appetising to the neutral, you have to believe that the speed and intensity of the top three English clubs and the potent and lethal attacking threat of Barcelona will be far too much for the remaining sides. I would like to be proved wrong (certainly in the case of Inter Milan)in the spirit of competition but its highly unlikely.
Not wishful thinking or anything then.
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