UEFA Cup Preview – Group B

Benfica: Sitting in 5th in the Portuguese Liga

Burning Question: Does Quique Flores believe in David Suazo?  The Honduran forward on loan from Inter Milan could be a difference maker for Benfica if Flores finds room for him on the pitch.  The 28-year old is now in the prime of his career and will likely see action in the UEFA Cup after his disappointing and ineffective year with the Nerazzurri.

Olympiakos: One of Greece’s big three, the club is in first place with 13 points in the Greek Super League.

Burning Question:  Is this tournament going to be Sebastián Leto’s coming out party?  Liverpool supporters are keenly aware of the 22-year old Argentine’s potential.  The left winger already scored for Olympiakos in the UEFA Cup and will look to add to his tally in the group phase.

Galatasaray:  The Turkish power is holding down 5th place in the Süper Lig. 

Burning Question: Can Harry Kewell be stopped?  The former Liverpool player in enjoying a terrific domestic campaign with 3 goals already in 2008.  The 30-year old Australian should continue his attacking ways against less-than-stellar group opponents. 

Hertha Berlin: The club occupies the 8th spot in Germany’s Bundesliga.

Burning Question: Will 19-year old American midfielder Bryan Arguez see action in the group stage?  The former DC United player transferred to Hertha on January 25, 2008.  Interestingly, he had never played a competitive match for DC United.

Metalist Kharkiv: Right now, Metalist is third in the Ukrainian Premier League.

Burning Question: Do you know who Jajá is?  You will after the group phase.  The Brazilian has been tearing up the Ukrainian Premier League since his arrival last February.  Only 22, he could move on to greener and warmer pitches if he competes with this same determination in the UEFA Cup.

Three Who Will Advance – Benfica, Hertha, and Metalist.

Each team plays two matches at home and two away, with the top three teams from each group qualifying for the last 32. Ties to be played on October 23rd, November 6th, November 27th, December 3rd and 4th and December 17th and 18th.