Champions LeagueEuropean Football

Champions League Challengers

 

With the 32 teams drawn into eight groups of four, let’s get stuck in with the English sides that’ll be partaking in this seasons tournament.

 

Group B: Tottenham Hotspur have been grouped with 2015 winners Barcelona, 2010 winners Inter Milan, and 2007 quarter-finalists PSV Eindhoven.

 

In last seasons tournament, Mauricio Pochettino’s side lost out to Juventus in the round of 16 despite topping their group – which included eventual winners, Real Madrid.

 

They’ll be raring to replicate the 2010-11 form which saw them go on a run to the last eight in their first ever Champions League season.

 

Prediction: 2nd

 

Group C: Last seasons runners-up Liverpool have been grouped with Ligue 1 holders PSG, Serie A runners-up Napoli, and Serbian Super League winners, Red Star Belgrade.

 

Jurgen Klopp’s team made a stamp on the European stage last season with a reminder that they’re still a force to be reckoned with (or so Liverpool fans would have you know) by reaching the final for the first time since 2007. Though they’d go on to lose to a Cristiano Ronaldo-inspired Real Madrid side, they can take plenty of encouragement from experience.

 

Prediction: 3rd

 

Group F: Reigning Premier League champions Manchester City were pitted against the likes of 2009 Europa League (then UEFA Cup) winners Shakhtar Donetsk, French Cup quarter-finalists Lyon, and 3rd placed Bundesliga side, Hoffenheim.

 

Pep Guardiola’s side are now regulars in Europe’s premier competition since their first ever season in 2011-12.

 

Their best record in the tournament was in 2015-16 when they qualified for the last four, but were eventually beaten by Real Madrid – (they went on to win their second title in three seasons). Their worst showing at this tournament came in 2012-13, finishing rock bottom. They’ll not want to repeat that any time soon!

 

The previous season saw the Sky Blues reach the quarter-finals, but lost out to Liverpool. They’ll be looking to win the tournament this time around, especially with a manager who has a strong pedigree on this stage (two-time winner with Barcelona in 2009 & 2011).

 

Prediction: 1st

 

Group H: Manchester United – 2008 winners, and 2017 Europa League winners were pitted against 2015, and 2017 runners-up Juventus, Copa del Rey semi-finalists Valencia, and Swiss Super League holders, Young Boys.

 

Jose Mourinho’s side were pretty disappointing on this stage last season, having been knocked out by Sevilla in the second round.

 

Their league form hasn’t been great so far, and troubles could seep into the Champions League, so they really do have to rally together if they’re to make it past the first stage.

 

Prediction: 2nd

 

So, that’s my thought’s, but what are yours?