The draw for the UEFA Champions League group stage has been completed and has thrown together some fascinating possibilities and matchups. As we go on and analyse which teams have the better chance of qualifying for the knockout stages, these are the final groups:

    Group A

Chelsea
AS Roma
Bordeaux
CFR 1907 Cluj

This is a straightforward looking group which should not provide any surprises. The teams that should progress without much difficulty are Chelsea and AS Roma, as their quality are honestly a notch higher above the other teams in the group. However, the trips to Bordeaux and Romanian champions CFR 1907 Cluj are bound to be tricky, and they are not teams to be taken lightly.

    Group B

Inter Milan
Werder Bremen
Panathinaikos
Anorthosis Famagusta

Jose Mourinho’s return to the Champions League with Inter Milan should go by without many problems in this group. The only question remains who will join them from the group in the next round. Werder Bremen will be expected to do so, but the spoilers in the pack might be Cypriot football club Anorthosis Famagusta. The Cypriot football teams in both the Champions League and the UEFA Cup are springing some surprises this season, and if they are underestimated here, could upset the likes of Werder Bremen and Panathinaikos.

    Group C


Barcelona
Sporting Lisbon
FC Basel
Shakhtar Donetsk

Barcelona will qualify easily. The second berth will be a straight fight between the other three teams, with Sporting Lisbon and Shakhtar Donetsk the two most likely to dispute it.

    Group D


Liverpool
PSV Eindhoven
Marseille
Atletico Madrid

Liverpool’s claim for the next round is in danger as they have been drawn in the toughest group. Do not discount the likes of Marseille and Atletico Madrid snapping up both the available spots. Marseille has looked impressive so far, although both Atletico Madrid and Liverpool might suffer from away day blues. Liverpool’s current poor form might suggest that they will struggle, but the group stages last all of six matches over a few months, and their form could pick up in time. And you never know when the Anfield club will come up with some last minute dramatics.

    Group E


Manchester United
Villareal
Celtic
Aalborg BK

Another Champions League, another easy draw for the current holders. Manchester United will coast through the group with their experience. The second qualifying berth will go to Glasgow Celtic. Villareal might be many fans’ favourites to join the Red Devils, but they have yet to prove themselves beyond last season’s excellent run in the Spanish La Liga.

    Group F


Lyon
Bayern Munich
Steaua Bucharest
Fiorentina

This is a tough group with all four teams having a great chance of progressing. Both Lyon and Bayern Munich are seeing seasons with new managers, so that might destabilise their form for a while. Fiorentina has the best chance of advancing, with the former two fighting for the other berth. If Juergen Klinsmann can get his act together quickly, the German Bundesliga side should be able to join the Italians, otherwise the better defence of Lyon will give them the edge. Steaua Bucharest might surprise too if no one pays too much attention to them.

    Group G


Arsenal
FC Porto
Fenerbahce
Dynamo Kiev

Most experts and fans will expect Arsenal to go through without too many problems. However, we beg to differ. They will face very difficult matches against all the other three teams who are well established in their own leagues and have a lot of experience in Europe. FC Porto will be the team with the best chance of qualifying, while it could be any one of the other three to join them in the next round.

    Group H


Real Madrid
Juventus
Zenit St Petersburg
BATE Borisov

Probably the second toughest group behind Group D, although Group G comes close. Zenit St Petersburg will be considered the dark horses, but without the possibility of Arshavin, they could face a tough second season in Europe. But if Advocaat can stabilise the side again, they will definitely give Real Madrid and Juventus a run for their money. Real Madrid, for one, has not impressed in Europe under Bernd Schuster. Juventus will be a thrill a minute with Claudio Ranieri in charge, and their emphasis on attacking football.

See what others have to say about this season’s Champions League group stage draw:

Soccer By Ives agrees that Group D is the toughest
mCalcio.com has some initial thoughts on the draw and will provide in depth analysis later