Champions League Favourites

Season 2009/2010

After the draw let's look at some of the Champions League favourites 2009/2010. Here are some of the teams we reckon may be running out at the Bernabeu on May 22.

Barcelona
The holders will be strong favourites to retain their crown and become the first team to successfully defend the trophy in its current format. Much will depend on how well Zlatan Ibrahimovic settles. Given Barca’s style of play I’m not convinced that replacing Et’o with Ibrahimovic will improve the side.

Prediction: Semi-final
Manchester United
Last season beaten finalists have been weakened by the loss of Ronaldo, and to a lesser extent Tevez. Can Rooney, Berbatov and Owen pick up the slack? Perhaps, but even so, a midfield made up of Carrick, Fletcher, Park and Valencia (or Nani), does not look like one that can rule Europe.

Prediction: Quarter-final

Chelsea
Could this finally be the year that Chelsea land Europe’s biggest prize? The team certainly looks capable and in Ancelotti they have a manager with impeccable credentials in the competition. Last year they came within seconds and a Norwegian referee of making the final. I wouldn’t bet against them going all the way this time around.

Prediction: Winners

Arsenal

May have got a dream draw for the Group Stag but, for all their pretty football, Arsenal still look lightweight among the top teams. Overachieved last time around only to be destroyed by a Ronaldo inspired United in the semis. They still look short of about three top-notch players in key positions.

Prediction: Quarter-final

Real Madrid

On paper, the new galacticos look almost unbeatable but then so did their predecessors and we all know how that ended. You can never discount any team featuring the likes of Kaka and Ronaldo but with so many new signings I reckon they’ll fall short.

Prediction: Semi-final

Liverpool

Liverpool have had a poor start to the League season but seem to enjoy a special affinity with this competition. Let’s not forget that the last time they won it, they finished only fifth in the Premier League. The loss of Xabi Alonso is a serious blow but I’m backing Rafa Benitez to pull one out of the hat and lead the Reds to another final.

Prediction: Final

Internazionale

They may have landed a fourth consecutive Scudetto but Inter suffer from playing in what is currently the weakest of Europe’s big leagues. The loss of Ibrahimovic has been offset by the arrival of Samuel Et’o but on the whole, their squad does not compare favourably with those of their major European rivals. Still, never write off a team manager by Jose Mourinho.

Prediction: Quarter-final

Milan

The loss of Kaka is massive, but if Pato can step up to the plate or if coach Leonardo can get Ronaldinho playing at anything near his best, they could be a in with an outside shout. Wouldn’t bet on it though.

Prediction: Quarter-final

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