Inter Milan seem to be many people's tip to finally go all the way this season. A strong squad boasts many excellent players and they have a young and talented manager in Mancini. Like Roma they seem to usually fall at some point and never realize their potential, but they will be confident of building some momentum if they get a kind draw for the first knock out phase. Any runner up aside from Roma and Fenerbahce can play Inter.
Fenerbahce will be one of the lesser fancied teams to win the tournament, but are not a team many sides will enjoy playing. A good home record is imperative if they are to harbour ambitions of achieving anything in this season's competition, and they will rely on experience of players such as Roberto Carlos and Alex to lead them through. They can face any group winners except Inter Milan.
Group H
Sevilla won the UEFA Cup in 2006 and 2007 and this season take a big step up in trying to taste victory in the Champions League. Their group presented few problems to them, but the loss of manager Juande Ramos will be a bitter blow. Their chances for success in this competition may depend on which players they keep hold of in the January transfer window, with rumors circling that any or all of Alves, Kanoute, Fabiano and, Navas might be on their way. They play well and that will cause problems for any opposition. Inexperience may count against them though in the high pressure stakes of the Champions League. They can play any group runner up apart from Arsenal.
Arsenal were beaten finalists in 2005-06 and aim to go one better this time around. Their squad is not as young as some people insist on reporting and the likes of Hleb, Rosicky, Gallas, and Toure have a wealth of experience between them. One of the most attractive footballing sides in the world on their day; a lot will rest on the shoulders of central midfielder Cesc and his ability to keep scoring and creating goals. One thing Arsenal may struggle with is the size of their squad. Injuries to a couple of attacking players may see them lose their rhythm and struggle to adapt. They can play Porto, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Inter Milan in the next round.
So there we have it, 16 teams fighting it out for the right to be crowned the cream of European football—four teams from England, three apiece from Spain and Italy, and one each from France, Germany, Turkey, Portugal, Greece, and Scotland.
Most of the 16 are capable of beating any other team on their day. It remains to be seen which two will battle it out for supremacy in Moscow come May 2008.
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