999r
October 18th, 2005, 12:57 PM
With the Champions League kicking back into action, it is time to look at who could be going all the way, and why?
a quick analysis and a check on what some of the bookies currently think.
http://media.goal.com/200412/4550_news.jpg?ver=2
1 CHELSEA
Positives: Water tight defense, fast on the break, dangerous in the air, lack of domestic pressure.
The Blues look just about the most complete team in Europe at the moment. Their tight defense along with players capable of breaking fast, is perfect for the knock-out stages of the Champions League. Their efficiency from dead-ball situations is another aspect that can be more than handy.
Also, if they make it to the last four, as they should, barring any miracles they will have wrapped up the Premiership by then. And that will surely give them an edge over the likes of Juventus, Milan, Barcelona or Real Madrid, who are almost certain to be involved in domestic dogfights.
I am quite positive that they will get the better of Barcelona in a two-legged tie, as well as Inter or Lyon. However, I am not sure what to expect from them when against a big team that will be ready to do a Chelsea on them. Their lack of exposure to the likes of Milan and Juventus could prove to be their undoing.
What Liverpool did last year, Juventus will do even better this year! I am yet to see them break down a Juventus or Milan defense, or even the Champions League version of Liverpool (not Rafa's pathetic attempt at sending long-balls to Crouch).
Current Betting Odds: 5/1 (William Hill), 9/2 (Ladbrokes)
2 JUVENTUS
Positives:Impregnable defense, well defined philosophy which the players understand.
Along with Milan, they are probably the most well-defined team in terms of attack. Not spectacular, but everyone knows precisely what Capello wants, and produces exactly that week-in, week-out. The clinical efficiency that Capello has instilled is their main strength.
Things have got to a stage where it looks almost mechanical, although their two matches against Bayern Munich, at least one without Vieira, will be a real test.
And there lies their problem. Vieira has had regular injuries, albeit minor ones, over the last year or so, and Emerson is not among the fittest either. If either of them go missing for one of the big matches, it is not clear how Capello will handle that. Giannichedda is clearly not the short-term solution.
Like Chelsea, they too can keep clean sheets, they too can get those away goals. But, they too can be predictable. They have beaten Inter, and will probably get the better of Real Madrid and Barcelona over two legs, but thats different from beating Milan. Unless they beat Milan on the 29th of this month, as well as Bayern Munich without Vieira, the doubts will, and should, persist.
Current Betting Odds: 7/1 (William Hill), 6/1 (Ladbrokes)
3 BARCELONA
Positives: Ahh! Rijkaard's gems, who 'can' tear apart any defense, and a Ronaldinho who shows his magic on the European stage.
Surely they have to be amongst those who could go all the way! And they are. In fact, they would be my bets to go all the way. If only they could defend! Their failure to keep clean sheets, and their willingness to concede those cheap goals, will come back to haunt them over two legs, as it did at Stamford Bridge.
The horror goal they conceded against Udinese, which was forgotten thanks to the four they scored, is just the case in point. Chelsea or Juventus won't give them that many and sitting on one or two would have to suffice.
Contrast Belletti with Paolo Ferreira and Van Bronkhost with Zambrotta, and I could as well rest my case there. But I add to that the flat-footed Oleguer, who has good technique, but has trouble handling any quick forward, leave alone the likes of Duff, Nedved or Shevchenko running at (past) him.
If I dare to call upon my sixth sense here! Barcelona will top their group, but square up against Bayern Munich or Liverpool (both likely to finish second in their groups), and come crashing back to reality. If they get through that though, they might as well have taken their lessons, and could go all the way.
Why Rijkaard won't buy a top class defender, beats me! Having said that, Barcelona are capable of scoring more than they concede, and that is why they will be among the favourites, right until they are knocked out.
Current Betting Odds: 5/1 (William Hill), 6/1 (Ladbrokes)
4 MILAN
Positives: Depth, adaptability to injuries, experienced defense, and unpredictability when required.
They have probably 'erred' on the attacking side over the last two years, making them better to watch (but less successful) than Juventus. However, as a team, they have just about everything to make it to the final again.
The focus is on Juventus, which suits them just fine, as they continue to improve. With plenty of options in defense, midfield, and attack, they are probably best equipped to handle injuries. Stam, Ambrosini, Inzaghi, Serginho, Rui Costa: thats just the bench you want for the Champions League.
Once again, they will win their group, and will take some beating if they are to be knocked out. They don't look like the Milan that they can be at the moment, but make no mistake, a win over Juventus on the 29th could change the entire picture.
Current Betting Odds: 8/1 (William Hill), 6/1 (Ladbrokes)
5 INTER
Positives: Unpredictability
They could lose 3-0, but also win 4-2, against pretty much anyone. Mancini's boys finally look like making a strong challenge this season, and have managed to improve on their defense as well. Their progress is one to watch with intrigue.
Stankovic, Figo, and Veron are combining well with the likes of Adriano and Martins, and will be tough to stop.
However, they were given a footballing lesson by Juventus a couple of weeks ago, just to remind them that there is still a lot of work to be done by them. But then, they have time. They will probably top their group, which along with a good squad, should help them stick around longer. They are short in defense, though, and could pay dearly.
Current Betting Odds: 8/1(William Hill), 9/1 (Ladbrokes)
6 REAL MADRID
Positives: Can turn the world around on their day.
They have got to be in! After two tough season, they seem to be rebuilding, but have put together a good run to get to the top of La Liga. A defense that has started looking more assured is what could be their joker. Suddenly, they are not leaking as many as they did. They should be around, and with them, anything can happen.
However, Sacchi himself said that he does not expect too much in this rebuilding phase. Figo is gone, Zidane is at the end of the road, although with a few last hurrahs remaining. Beckham, Baptista and Robinho are slowly but surely rising to the challenge. But they are yet to be a genuine threat.
Their biggest problem could be losing first position in the group to Lyon, which could then have them face the bigwigs from Italy and England as early as February. A not-too-strong squad is not going to help, either, as the domestic fight with Barcelona will probably go down to the wire. Unavailability of Ronaldo will really test them.
Current Betting Odds: 11/1(William Hill), 12/1 (Ladbrokes)
7 BAYERN MUNICH
Positives: Aerial dominance, good finishing, a good squad, and a coach who knows how to use it.
They have probably not been helped by being paired with Juventus for the second year in a row. It probably means they will have to face one of the bigger teams earlier than they would want. But don't count them out yet! They are just the team that will make teams worry despite topping their groups.
Besides, they are capable of springing one over the Old Lady, which could, in fact change the entire picture. But like Milan, they are happy with all the attention being on Capello's men, meaning they will arrive at the knock-out stages without being labeled favourites.
They have a good forward line with Pizarro, Makaay, Santa Cruz, and Guerrero, and a solid midfield with the likes of Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Hargreaves, Ze Roberto, Deisler, Jeremies, and Mehmet Scholl. The defense is slightly week, though, and Lucio's horror show against Chelsea last year still rankles.
Their squad has something steely about it, which always makes me think twice before counting them out.
Current Betting Odds: 14/1(William Hill), 11/1 (Ladbrokes)
THE REST
LYON are the perhaps the first among the rest who deserve mention. If there is to be a surprise, it is likely to come from them, who finally believe they belong here, and are looking really good. They could top their group (containing Real Madrid), making their road that much easier.
Personally, I like the look of Houllier's team, and theirs is just the refreshing presence required. The odds don't seem to be much better than expected too.
Current Betting Odds: 12/1(William Hill), 12/1 (Ladbrokes)
MANCHESTER UNITED almost always have to be mentioned, but with key injuries (Heinze, Keane), it remains to be seen of they can match their glory years. Nistelruoy, if fit, and Rooney, if not suspended, will put in enough goals, but Scholes is woefully out of form, and Giggs, patchy at best. More playing time for Park Ji Sung is perhaps the way forward for them.
Current Betting Odds: 11/1(William Hill), 12/1 (Ladbrokes)
LIVERPOOL, of course, deserve mention for their tight performance in two-legged fixtures. They are going to take some beating to be knocked out, surely. However, their squad is a lot weaker than they think it is, and they don't look like being able to hang in there until the end.
They will have a tougher time as they are unlikely to top their group. A round of 16 clash with Barcelona, Milan, Inter, or Juventus beckons.
Current Betting Odds: 18/1(William Hill), 14/1 (Ladbrokes)
ARSENAL are in big big trouble. Almost everything that could have gone wrong, has. With Campbell, and Helb injured, Wenger is pretty much gambling by bringing Henry back early. Anyway, minus Vieira, the squad just don't seem to have the steel they did.
Current Betting Odds: 13/1(William Hill), 15/1 (Ladbrokes)
a quick analysis and a check on what some of the bookies currently think.
http://media.goal.com/200412/4550_news.jpg?ver=2
1 CHELSEA
Positives: Water tight defense, fast on the break, dangerous in the air, lack of domestic pressure.
The Blues look just about the most complete team in Europe at the moment. Their tight defense along with players capable of breaking fast, is perfect for the knock-out stages of the Champions League. Their efficiency from dead-ball situations is another aspect that can be more than handy.
Also, if they make it to the last four, as they should, barring any miracles they will have wrapped up the Premiership by then. And that will surely give them an edge over the likes of Juventus, Milan, Barcelona or Real Madrid, who are almost certain to be involved in domestic dogfights.
I am quite positive that they will get the better of Barcelona in a two-legged tie, as well as Inter or Lyon. However, I am not sure what to expect from them when against a big team that will be ready to do a Chelsea on them. Their lack of exposure to the likes of Milan and Juventus could prove to be their undoing.
What Liverpool did last year, Juventus will do even better this year! I am yet to see them break down a Juventus or Milan defense, or even the Champions League version of Liverpool (not Rafa's pathetic attempt at sending long-balls to Crouch).
Current Betting Odds: 5/1 (William Hill), 9/2 (Ladbrokes)
2 JUVENTUS
Positives:Impregnable defense, well defined philosophy which the players understand.
Along with Milan, they are probably the most well-defined team in terms of attack. Not spectacular, but everyone knows precisely what Capello wants, and produces exactly that week-in, week-out. The clinical efficiency that Capello has instilled is their main strength.
Things have got to a stage where it looks almost mechanical, although their two matches against Bayern Munich, at least one without Vieira, will be a real test.
And there lies their problem. Vieira has had regular injuries, albeit minor ones, over the last year or so, and Emerson is not among the fittest either. If either of them go missing for one of the big matches, it is not clear how Capello will handle that. Giannichedda is clearly not the short-term solution.
Like Chelsea, they too can keep clean sheets, they too can get those away goals. But, they too can be predictable. They have beaten Inter, and will probably get the better of Real Madrid and Barcelona over two legs, but thats different from beating Milan. Unless they beat Milan on the 29th of this month, as well as Bayern Munich without Vieira, the doubts will, and should, persist.
Current Betting Odds: 7/1 (William Hill), 6/1 (Ladbrokes)
3 BARCELONA
Positives: Ahh! Rijkaard's gems, who 'can' tear apart any defense, and a Ronaldinho who shows his magic on the European stage.
Surely they have to be amongst those who could go all the way! And they are. In fact, they would be my bets to go all the way. If only they could defend! Their failure to keep clean sheets, and their willingness to concede those cheap goals, will come back to haunt them over two legs, as it did at Stamford Bridge.
The horror goal they conceded against Udinese, which was forgotten thanks to the four they scored, is just the case in point. Chelsea or Juventus won't give them that many and sitting on one or two would have to suffice.
Contrast Belletti with Paolo Ferreira and Van Bronkhost with Zambrotta, and I could as well rest my case there. But I add to that the flat-footed Oleguer, who has good technique, but has trouble handling any quick forward, leave alone the likes of Duff, Nedved or Shevchenko running at (past) him.
If I dare to call upon my sixth sense here! Barcelona will top their group, but square up against Bayern Munich or Liverpool (both likely to finish second in their groups), and come crashing back to reality. If they get through that though, they might as well have taken their lessons, and could go all the way.
Why Rijkaard won't buy a top class defender, beats me! Having said that, Barcelona are capable of scoring more than they concede, and that is why they will be among the favourites, right until they are knocked out.
Current Betting Odds: 5/1 (William Hill), 6/1 (Ladbrokes)
4 MILAN
Positives: Depth, adaptability to injuries, experienced defense, and unpredictability when required.
They have probably 'erred' on the attacking side over the last two years, making them better to watch (but less successful) than Juventus. However, as a team, they have just about everything to make it to the final again.
The focus is on Juventus, which suits them just fine, as they continue to improve. With plenty of options in defense, midfield, and attack, they are probably best equipped to handle injuries. Stam, Ambrosini, Inzaghi, Serginho, Rui Costa: thats just the bench you want for the Champions League.
Once again, they will win their group, and will take some beating if they are to be knocked out. They don't look like the Milan that they can be at the moment, but make no mistake, a win over Juventus on the 29th could change the entire picture.
Current Betting Odds: 8/1 (William Hill), 6/1 (Ladbrokes)
5 INTER
Positives: Unpredictability
They could lose 3-0, but also win 4-2, against pretty much anyone. Mancini's boys finally look like making a strong challenge this season, and have managed to improve on their defense as well. Their progress is one to watch with intrigue.
Stankovic, Figo, and Veron are combining well with the likes of Adriano and Martins, and will be tough to stop.
However, they were given a footballing lesson by Juventus a couple of weeks ago, just to remind them that there is still a lot of work to be done by them. But then, they have time. They will probably top their group, which along with a good squad, should help them stick around longer. They are short in defense, though, and could pay dearly.
Current Betting Odds: 8/1(William Hill), 9/1 (Ladbrokes)
6 REAL MADRID
Positives: Can turn the world around on their day.
They have got to be in! After two tough season, they seem to be rebuilding, but have put together a good run to get to the top of La Liga. A defense that has started looking more assured is what could be their joker. Suddenly, they are not leaking as many as they did. They should be around, and with them, anything can happen.
However, Sacchi himself said that he does not expect too much in this rebuilding phase. Figo is gone, Zidane is at the end of the road, although with a few last hurrahs remaining. Beckham, Baptista and Robinho are slowly but surely rising to the challenge. But they are yet to be a genuine threat.
Their biggest problem could be losing first position in the group to Lyon, which could then have them face the bigwigs from Italy and England as early as February. A not-too-strong squad is not going to help, either, as the domestic fight with Barcelona will probably go down to the wire. Unavailability of Ronaldo will really test them.
Current Betting Odds: 11/1(William Hill), 12/1 (Ladbrokes)
7 BAYERN MUNICH
Positives: Aerial dominance, good finishing, a good squad, and a coach who knows how to use it.
They have probably not been helped by being paired with Juventus for the second year in a row. It probably means they will have to face one of the bigger teams earlier than they would want. But don't count them out yet! They are just the team that will make teams worry despite topping their groups.
Besides, they are capable of springing one over the Old Lady, which could, in fact change the entire picture. But like Milan, they are happy with all the attention being on Capello's men, meaning they will arrive at the knock-out stages without being labeled favourites.
They have a good forward line with Pizarro, Makaay, Santa Cruz, and Guerrero, and a solid midfield with the likes of Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Hargreaves, Ze Roberto, Deisler, Jeremies, and Mehmet Scholl. The defense is slightly week, though, and Lucio's horror show against Chelsea last year still rankles.
Their squad has something steely about it, which always makes me think twice before counting them out.
Current Betting Odds: 14/1(William Hill), 11/1 (Ladbrokes)
THE REST
LYON are the perhaps the first among the rest who deserve mention. If there is to be a surprise, it is likely to come from them, who finally believe they belong here, and are looking really good. They could top their group (containing Real Madrid), making their road that much easier.
Personally, I like the look of Houllier's team, and theirs is just the refreshing presence required. The odds don't seem to be much better than expected too.
Current Betting Odds: 12/1(William Hill), 12/1 (Ladbrokes)
MANCHESTER UNITED almost always have to be mentioned, but with key injuries (Heinze, Keane), it remains to be seen of they can match their glory years. Nistelruoy, if fit, and Rooney, if not suspended, will put in enough goals, but Scholes is woefully out of form, and Giggs, patchy at best. More playing time for Park Ji Sung is perhaps the way forward for them.
Current Betting Odds: 11/1(William Hill), 12/1 (Ladbrokes)
LIVERPOOL, of course, deserve mention for their tight performance in two-legged fixtures. They are going to take some beating to be knocked out, surely. However, their squad is a lot weaker than they think it is, and they don't look like being able to hang in there until the end.
They will have a tougher time as they are unlikely to top their group. A round of 16 clash with Barcelona, Milan, Inter, or Juventus beckons.
Current Betting Odds: 18/1(William Hill), 14/1 (Ladbrokes)
ARSENAL are in big big trouble. Almost everything that could have gone wrong, has. With Campbell, and Helb injured, Wenger is pretty much gambling by bringing Henry back early. Anyway, minus Vieira, the squad just don't seem to have the steel they did.
Current Betting Odds: 13/1(William Hill), 15/1 (Ladbrokes)