Champions League: 10 Players Who Could Score 5+ Goals During the Group Stage

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Whether you need some inspiration for the forward line of your fantasy team, or are simply interested in reading more Champions League previews, there is no reason not to think about which players will experience success during the 2011-12 Champions League.

Before the knockout rounds begin, however, all teams will have to get through the group stage, six games which determine the teams that qualify, are demoted to the Europa League, or are eliminated entirely.

While some teams will play conservatively, others might not hold back even after ensuring qualification. With a field full of attacking talent, the Champions League promises to be a goal-infested competition.

Up next are 10 players who could score at least five goals during the group stage.

Mario Gomez- Bayern Munich

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While Mario Gomez could be considered a streak player, there is no doubt that he is in fine form as of late.

Gomez currently tops the Bundesliga charts, racking up eight goals in five games, including four against SC Freigburg on Saturday.

While Bayern Munich's opponents, teams in this year's "Group of Death", will be tough, it is expected that much of Bayern Munich's attack will be funneled through the high-flying German.

Furthermore, Gomez has been provided excellent service by the likes of Franck Ribéry.

Gomez should prove capable of maintaining his form and spearheading a successful Bayern Munich attack.

Sergio Agüero- Manchester City

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While Sergio Agüero did not take part in the 2010-11 Champions League, he should have no problem imposing himself in this year's installment, despite Manchester City's high-quality challengers.

Although only arriving at the Manchester club in July, Aguero has impressed since his multi-goal debut and has already scored six goals for his new team.

Manchester City begin with a tough game against Napoli, followed by encounters with Bayern Munich and Villarreal, but Silva and Nasri, among others, will ensure that Agüero gets on the score sheet during the group stages.

Wayne Rooney- Manchester United

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Manchester United's presence at the top of the Premier League table can be partially attributed to Wayne Rooney, who has vastly impressed thus far.

With eight goals in only four games, including back-to-back hat tricks against Arsenal and Bolton, and an easy (on paper) group, Rooney should have no trouble finding the back of the net.

 

Javier Hernandez- Manchester United

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Javier Hernandez picked up where he left off with a brace during Manchester United's 5-0 victory over Bolton.

Despite only recently coming back from injury, Hernandez played the full 90 minutes and looks fit to start against Benfica on Wednesday.

Hernandez seems to have displaced Dimitar Berbatov for a spot in the starting XI, and with Danny Welbeck out, should enjoy a sizable amount of playing time against Manchester United's supposedly lesser opponents.

Cristiano Ronaldo- Real Madrid

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One man expected to bag lots of goals this campaign is Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portuguese star scored 53 goals last season, including six in the Champions League, and heads the La Liga scoring charts with four goals over two games.

After scoring a mere penalty—and failing to satisfy his indefatigable appetite—against Getafe, Ronaldo is hungry for goals and Dinamo Zagreb will likely prove to be unfortunate victims.

Ronaldo should have little trouble finding the net against the likes of Zagreb, Ajax and Lyon. CR7 is a a contender for Champions League top scorer every year, and this one is no exception.

Karim Benzema- Real Madrid

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Another in-form Madrid striker is Karim Benzema, who plays very differently than he did under a year ago.

Publicly criticized in 2010 by Jose Mourinho for his laziness, Benzema is now the Portuguese tactician's go-to forward and is linking up exceptionally well with Ronaldo and Mesut Özil.

Despite his bad form during the first half of the 2010-11 season, Benzema scored 6 Champions League goals in under 400 minutes of playing time.

His form as well his excellent interplay with Ronaldo and Özil should lead to at least five goals during the group stages.

Roberto Soldado- Valencia

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After finishing as the fifth highest Liga goalscorer, alongside David Villa, Giuseppe Rossi, and Fernando Llorente, Soldado continues to be the focal point of Valencia's attack, tallying four out of his team's five goals.

Despite Valencia's tough opposition, Soldado will likely shoulder the goalscoring burden and lead the way against Chelsea, Leverkusen, and Genk.

The Spanish forward recently stated that it was his dream to play for the national team, and should take advantage of playing in the Champions League.

Hulk- Porto

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With Radamel Falcao's departure to Atletico Madrid, Porto's goalscoring responsibilities will lie in the hands of Hulk, the top scorer of last season's Portuguese Liga.

Porto are expected to comfortably win group G, with Shakhtar Donetsk as their primary opponents.

An excellent goalscorer like Hulk should find a way past Shakhtar, Zenit St. Petersburg, and APOEL.

Lionel Messi- Barcelona

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After being left out of the starting line-up against Real Sociedad and failing to make an impact during the last 20 minutes, Lionel Messi will be eager to hit the Champions League turf running, with AC Milan the potential victims.

Despite Saturday's tie, Barcelona has already proved itself during the last few weeks against the likes of Real Madrid, Porto, and Villarreal.

Meanwhile, AC Milan could only hold Lazio to a draw during the league opener, although it's inadvisable to write-off the likes of Ibrahimovich, Pato, and Cassano.

Messi scored 12 goals in last year's Champions League, including two against Real Madrid and the game-winner in the final.

He shouldn't have any problem reaching the '5-goal' mark over six group stage matches.

David Villa- Barcelona

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While some may have been unsure whether David Villa would get his usual share of playing time, the unfortunate injury to Alexis Sanchez will likely "force" Pep Guardiola to use the prolific striker.

Despite only notching four goals during the previous Champions League (albeit one during the final), the all-time top scorer of the Spanish national team should never be discounted when it comes to getting on the board and helping his team win.

While Villa won't be the focal point of Barcelona's attack, he will nonetheless get many chances against the likes of AC Milan, BATE Borisov, and Viktoria Plzeň.

Commentary

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Please feel free to suggest additions or omissions from this list.

But take into account that a total of nine players scored five or more goals during the entirety of last year's Champions League, and only five scorers reached that figure during the group stages.

Furthermore, two of last season's top goalscorers are not participating the current campaign.

 

Thank you for reading!