European Football - Pre-Season Roundtable – Part Two
Posted by Tim O'Sullivan on 08.15.2008
Can John Terry wipe away his tears and lead Chelsea to Champions League glory? Will Jose Mourinho help Adriano show his true potential? Have Barcelona purchased the right players? Will Ronaldinho stop being an idiot and be great again? Can someone finally stop Lyon in Ligue 1? So many questions, so little time. Thoughts, one click away.
Here's part deux, where myself, Matt Snelling, Morgan Marx and Lotfi Sariahmed take a look at the European leagues, UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League. There's a ton of copy below, so take a deep breath.....
Tim O'Sullivan
Champions – Real Madrid
It's a big season for Real Madrid. Despite winning two titles in a row, they've done it with stuttering form and dramatic moments at important times to get them out of tight holes. Plus, both seasons they were very ordinary in the Champions League. Like Inter Milan, the president and other people in suits are getting bored of domestic success and want a big night with the Champions League trophy. Nothing dirty – just the chance to stare at it when they walk in to work. This may be their year to take that step up, and although it may slightly hinder their domestic charge there's no rival close enough to dethrone them. The likes of Pepe, Casillas, Van der Vaart, Sergio Ramos, Sneijder, Robinho, Robben, Van Nistelrooy are just world-class.
Second – Atletico Madrid
If they really do bag Diego then they'll be an even stronger force. Nonetheless, they have a dynamic team led by the sublime Sergio Aguero. In attack they have many gifts, but it's been their insistence (finally) to strengthen the back-line that's got many people taking them seriously for once. Coupet and Heitinga aren't the glossiest of names, but they could change the fortunes for a team with bags of potential.
Third – Barcelona
This won't be good enough for Laporta and co. but this will be a transitional season for Barcelona. Thierry Henry isn't even a quarter of the player he was, Samuel Eto'o's knees are fucked, Bojan is still young and the defence is shaky. Iniesta, Xavi and the criminally underrated Hleb are superb, but it's that lad called Messi who will decide their season. If he stays injury free he has the potential to win this league for Barça. However, in such a competitive league, not even the existence of Messi may not be suffice.
Fourth – Valencia
Sevilla still play awesome football despite the absence of Ramos and Villarreal were great last season, but I'm going to be bold and predict a much better season for Valencia. Note that I'm only sticking to this if they keep Villa and Silva.
Star of the Season – Lionel Messi
I think Sergio Aguero, Robinho, Rafael van der Vaart and David Villa could all have superb seasons, but for me it's Leo Messi who's still the player to top in La Liga. As noted in the Barcelona blurb, if he stays injury-free he's going to be a nightmare for defenders. He really is that good, and has the potential to be an all-time great with the right career breaks.
One to Watch – Gonzalo Higuain
He's not the quickest – nor is he the most skillful, but this Argentinean could become one of the world's elite strikers in the next three years. Ala Van Nistelrooy, he can sniff out scrappy chances and drill in those Les Ferdinand-at-Loftus-Road-esque low piledrivers when one-on-one with the keeper. Apparently, Real turned down a ˆ35 million bid from an unnamed European club this summer. That proves how highly he's coveted. He's definitely one to watch.
Top Scorer – Nihat
Stuff like this is always hard to predict, but I'll go with Nihat. He'll play pretty much every game and knows where the net is, as the boring cliché goes.
Matt Snelling
Champions – Real Madrid
They haven't got Ronaldo but haven't lost anyone of note from a squad (as of writing Robinho hadn't yet been spotted on the Kings Road) that was dominant last season. They have the best ‘keeper in the world right now in Casillas and going forward have an absolute embarrassment of riches even without everyone's favourite Portuguese winker. It will be interesting to see how Van der Vaart fits into the mix, but the only thing that could derail them is if they focus too heavily on the Champions League, although that's unlikely.
Second – Barcelona
They finished outside the top 2 last year but I can't see that happening again even if they do still have some fundamental problems they need to address. Guardiola may not have the experience but he understands Barca and that could make a huge amount of difference. What's more he seems to have eliminated most of the ego's (save Eto'o) and the players like Hleb, Keita and Dani Alves are all fairly young and fairly hungry. Indeed with his nemesis Ronaldinho now gone, Barca may be able to keep Eto'o on board and see him back to his best
Third – Villarreal
After an excellent campaign last time out I really hope they can actually challenge this time round instead of getting a nose bleed every time they got a sniff of Madrid. An excellent squad, which hasn't lost any key players may suffer because of Champions League involvement, considering that the fairytale ride they had to the semi's back in 2006 coincided with a sharp drop off in form. Will be really hard for them to improve on last season's 2nd place but for the sake of making things interesting I really hope they can.
Fourth – Atletico Madrid
With the signings they have made, already adding to the immensely talented squad they have, Atletico really should be making a concerted push for the title, let alone qualifying for the Champions League. However that is not the Atletico way and despite all the hope, promise, investment, talent and expectation; they will find a way to balls things up and get overshadowed by their more illustrious local rival. Sort of like a Spanish Tottenham Hotspur really. Bottom line, they have strengthened the defence well and still have Sergio Aguero, but the title will be just out of their reach again.
Star of the Season – Sergio Aguero
He was awesome last season, and given the strengthening that Atletico have done this summer he has an even stronger team to play in. With that in mind he will also be able to (providing they get through the qualifying round) showcase his talents to a wider audience in the Champions League. The best player in Spain last season, maybe this year he can become the best player in Europe.
One to Watch – Jozy Altidore
Football (soccer) in America is gaining in popularity and stature all the time and the quality of player being produced by the Americans has also been improving. They have been able to develop a number of solid players who have succeeded in Europe and a number of top class ‘keepers but we are still waiting for that superstar. People in the know say that this is the guy to be that ‘star' though. A tall 18 year old striker who has moved to Villarreal this summer, he could be the man to really make people around the world sit up and take note of US football. Or, he could be the next Freddy Adu.
Top Scorer – Diego Forlan
A top scorer can come out of left field like Daniel Guiza did last year but it should come down to one of the established names. David Villa after his good form for Spain this summer is a good shout but you don't know if he will still be in La Liga all season or how Valencia will perform. I'm going go for Diego Forlan given that Atletico were involved in some crazy games with incredible score lines last year and are brimming with attacking talent to supply him.
Morgan Marx
Champions – Real Madrid
Wesley Sneijder's injury is a blow, but the addition of Van der Vaart should pay huge dividends for the defending champs. With arguably the world's best keeper in net, and more team cohesiveness than their chief rivals, Real should take the title yet again.
Second – Sevilla
Other than Dani Alves and Keita, Sevilla kept many of its young stars, chief among them Luis Fabiano. Sevilla has the goal scorers and its defensive record wasn't awful. If they can avoid dropping points, the sky's the limit.
Third – Atletico Madrid
The other Madrid added experience in Gregory Coupet and Tomas Ujfalusi. Johnny Heitinga adds versatility. Kun Aguero brings the star power. If Aguero and Forlan can replicate their success from last season, Atletico might steal some headlines from the Galacticos.
Fourth – Barcelona
I like the new signings, but uncertainty remains over Eto'o and Henry. Plus, new coach Pep Guardiola is unproven and is stepping into a situation that cries for strong leadership.
Star of the Season – Rafael Van der Vaart
I have a soft spot for the Dutch playmaker. Having finally joined a club up to his potential, Van der Vaart should link up with his fellow countrymen perfectly. His style combined with Madrid's star power should allow him to shine.
One to Watch – Bojan Krkic
God I'm old. Kids born in the 90's are now staring in prestigious football leagues. Ten goals in your debut season are quite a splash. In the absence of Ronaldinho and (potentially) Eto'o, Krkic will be called upon to pick up the slack. If Leo Messi suffers any injury setbacks, Krkic will really have to live up to the hype.
Top Scorer – Kun Aguero
Unless this season's Dani Guiza comes out of nowhere to earn huge Turkish bucks.
Lotfi Sariahmed
Champions – Real Madrid
They brought in Rafael Van der Vaart for 6 million…allow that to sink in for a second or two.
Robinho or no Robinho Real is just too talented to not win another title while the other teams competing for that top spot have too many question marks.
Second – Barcelona
You might say all the changes will do Barcelona some good. You might say getting rid of Deco, Rijkaard, Zambrotta, Ronaldinho and probably Eto'o among others will be good for a team still loaded with talent. You might be right…but if Barcelona is winning La Liga this year its because something went wrong on Real Madrid's end…not because of anything Barcelona did.
Third – Villareal
If David Villa does end up going to Tottenham, this is the best team in La Liga not named Real Madrid or Barcelona bar none. As it is now they could play a vital role in determining who wins the league. This is a team that could take points away from either of the top two Spanish League giants.
Fourth – Atletico Madrid
They're the best team from a group of three including Sevilla and Valencia that will be competing for this spot.
Star of the Season – Rafael Van der Vaart
Once again, Real Madrid got him for 6 million folks.
One to Watch – Pep Guardiola
I like having some fun with these sorts of questions but really…is there anyone in La Liga who's going to be under any more scrutiny than the new Barca head man? Even with the talent they lost this is still a team expected to compete for and win La Liga year in and year out. Guardiola is the new man to step up into the Barca spotlight.
Top Scorer – Nihat Kahveci
It's a bit of an out there pick…but who would have thought Dani Guiza would win it last year?
Tim O'Sullivan
Champions – Inter Milan
Whether it's his Portugal or London, Mourinho knows how to win league titles. More importantly, all of his squad apart from new arrivals Mancini and Muntari know how to win them too. It's hard to pick anyone else.
Second – AC Milan
Everyone's doubting Meeeeeeeelan this season, but they have no Champions League distraction and a lot of hunger after their worst season in recent memory. Ronaldinho's looked sharper in The Olympics and Mathieu Flamini is the best freebie of the summer. Plus, they have Kaka, Pirlo and a striker in Pato who should be better this term.
Third – AS Roma
Losing Mancini is a blow, but the Dr. Evil wannabee is a very interesting manager and I'm positive he knows what he's doing. Bringing in Julio Baptista is a bold move, but he was cheap so it could be a risk worth taking. Mexes and De Rossi still haven't taken that next step up like everyone was expecting them to, but they'll need to this season if Roma are going to push for the title.
Fourth – Juventus
Amauri and Poulsen are superb additions, but there's still not enough attacking quality in midfield to make any serious waves, in my opinion. Amauri is certainly one to watch though, and surrounded by superior players than that at Palermo he could evolve into a superstar.
Star of the Season – Kaka
It might seem safe and obvious, but the quirky picks should be saved for the category below. The question is, "Who is going to be the star of the season" and I answer "Kaka" a million times in a row.
One to Watch – Adriano
A lot has been made of the lad Balotelli, and from what I saw last season he could be a big part of Mourinho's plans this season, but I'm more interested in the Adriano story. He's a headcase, but that left-foot is insane – not as good as it is in Pro Evo – but still incredible, and I'm utterly fascinated to see whether or not he'll a) be transformed into the world's best striker like Mourinho said he could be when he bid for him during his spell at Chelsea, and b) shoot from 55-yards like I do when I use him in Pro Evo.
Top Scorer – Antonio di Natale
I bigged him up before the Euros and he got dropped after one game, but I'm still a big fan and I think he'll be pivotal to an Udinese team that will need him hugely this season.
Matt Snelling
Champions – Inter Milan
They have the biggest and best squad and now have the ‘Special One' in charge; it's hard to look past them really. At times last season Roma may have been more impressive in the way they played but Inter's resources and team is just way above everyone else's right now in Italy. They have technically won 3 in a row now and with new signings Muntari and Mancini boosting an otherwise very strong squad it's unlikely that Mourinho will be trophyless in his first season in Serie A.
Second – Juventus
Juventus returned to the big time last year and settled in well under Ranieri. This time around some shrewd purchases (Amauri, Mellberg, Poulsen) coupled with Roma likely being stretched by the Champions League means that Juve should be Inter's closest challengers even if the club from Milan are still just a bit to strong for them right now.
Third – AS Roma
Arguably the team who play the best football in Italy and a team that has been ultra (if you excuse the pun) consistent in recent times, could well be stretched this season due to a lack of significant arrivals and the loss of some key players like Mancini to Inter. John Arne Riise has been brought in from Liverpool and veteran Vicenzo Montella has returned for a second spell but they don't look like having the depth to challenge as close as they have done in recent years, which is a shame given their creative formation that effectively plays without a centre forward. As ever club icon Totti will be the key figure.
Fourth – Udinese
A bit of a controversial one given that most would expect Milan to be getting back into the top 4 after missing out this year. I still think Milan are a bit too reliant on players living on past glories and I believe that by being in the Champions League this season, Fiorentina will have their resources stretched a lot. As such let's be bold and go for Uidnese to sneak into the top 4, fired there by their front three of Di Natale, Quagliarella and Alexis Sanchez which is amongst the most deadly in the league.
Star of the Season – Jose Mourinho
They may already have the strongest squad in the league, but gaining the signature of the ‘special one' could be Inter's most important as he could be the man with the ability to finally take the club to the promised land of winning the Champions League. Regardless of that, with Mourinho back in football we won't be short of a quote or two.
One to Watch – Alexandre Pato
After joining Milan in the January transfer window last season, the young Brazilian did enough to show that all the hype is worth while and that he can be the real deal. He made an immediate impact at Milan scoring a number of vital goals meaning his club were probably forced to play him a few more times than they thought they would do. With fellow Brazilians Kaka and Ronaldinho to play alongside him there could be some exciting times ahead for the youngster.
Top Scorer – Adriano
With Mourinho now at Inter and on the back of a really good spell with Sao Paulo back in Brazil, Adriano should be back refreshed and fit at the start of the new Serie A season and ready to show why he was once so highly regarded in the game.
Morgan Marx
Champions – Internazionale
It's not original, but how can you bet against the champs? Jose Mourinho achieved instant success on arrival in England, no reason he can't do the same with the most talented team in Italy.
Second – Juventus
An interesting mix of experience and youth. The big names of old – Buffon, Del Piero, Trezeguet, Nedved – still dominate, but promising younger players (Giovinico) are intriguing. Last season's new striker (Iaquinta) didn't make a real impact, but Amauri is a bit more talented. I also like the additions of Christian Poulsen and Olof Mellberg.
Third – Fiorentina
If they keep Adrian Mutu, Fiorentina will continue to climb the ranks. I like the signing of Alberto Gilardino even if it's been three seasons since he played up to his potential. If they get anything out of him (12-15 goals) they team will challenge the usual suspects atop the standings.
Fourth – AS Roma
Eventually, time and injuries will catch up to Francesco Totti. When that happens, where will the goals come from? Unless Julio Baptista sings on, or Stefano Okaka makes the leap, I think Roma are on the decline.
Star of the Season – Adrian Mutu
After a disappointing Euro campaign, Mutu will have a chance at redemption if he betters his 2007/2008 season. We know Mutu can score, but can he fully integrate his teammates?
One to Watch – Mario Balotelli
Will Mourinho go with the elder statesman of Julio Cruz and Hernan Crespo at the other forward spot? Or will he give Balotelli the chance to shine. The soon-to-be 18-year-old has size and speed, traits that could allow him to excel in Serie A.
Top Scorer – Zlatan Ibrahimovic
Mourinho's new Drogba.
Lotfi Sariahmed
Champions – AC Milan
I won't lie…this isn't a prediction I feel great about and that seems absurd to say. Kaka, Pirlo, Gattuso, Nesta, add in a Ronaldinho and there are still questions as to whether or not this team can win Serie A? But this is a league with a solid top four squads and each one of those squads have some serious questions including AC Milan. I guess I just feel better about their questions than I do for the other three teams.
Second – Inter Milan
Could it be possible that a team with this much talent be overrated? I think so but maybe Jose Mourinho can prove me wrong in his first season with the new club. This is a team that seems to continuously disappoint me although to be fair it's from their play in the Champions League. Another near collapse like they had at the end of last year or ill-timed injuries this time around and Inter Milan will not be able to hold off Juventus, AC Milan and Roma.
Third – Juventus
Nice team but always seems to be missing one too many pieces. They haven't made any huge moves over the summer for me to think they'll do any better than third.
Fourth – Roma
AC Milan is improved, Inter Milan brought in Jose Mourinho and Juventus just has more pieces in place. Roma lost too much this offseason to put together another run like it did last year.
Star of the Season – Mario Balotelli
This young kid is already a huge talent for Inter and I just think Mourinho is going to work wonders with him.
One to Watch – Ronaldinho
I've been told he's pretty important…and he changed teams this offseason too just in case you didn't hear. So I figure how he does this season will be something to keep track of.
Top Scorer – David Trezeguet
Because if its not him, it'll be Del Piero and he might have a bad taste in his mouth from being left off the Euro 2008 French side.
Tim O'Sullivan
German Bundesliga Winners - Bayern Munich
Wolfsburg is an interesting story, Werder will stay strong if they hold on to Diego, and Stuttgart look stronger, but Bayern are still the team to beat. Plus, I adore Franck.
French Ligue 1 Winners - Bordeaux
I love Karim Benzema, but I'm not sure if he has the strength to carry a fading Lyon outfit on his potentially world-class shoulders. Marseille look superb in attack, but their defence is a joke……..a really hilarious joke. Bordeaux improved drastically last season, and this could be their time.
Dutch Eredivisie Winners - Ajax
Heurelho Gomes can't save PSV anymore. Marco van Basten can save Ajax, however, and I think he could be an even bigger domestic hero by next May.
Scottish SPL Winners - Rangers
They have nothing else to play for! Seriously, they can focus every game without fail. That matters so much.
Matt Snelling
German Bundesliga Winners - Bayern Munich
It will be really interesting to see how Klinsmann does in his first foray into the world of club management but the fact remains that Bayern have by far the strongest squad, even if they will be missing the excellent Ribery at the beginning of the campaign, and have a huge economic advantage over most of their rivals. The one question mark is in goal however, where the irrepressible Oliver Kahn has retired and no obvious replacement signed. They should still have too much for the rest of the league however.
French Ligue 1 Winners - Olympique Marseille
It's always hard to look past the machine that is Lyon in France who have the strongest infrastructure and have strong income from the Champions League but the signs are that Marseille might finally have enough of their house in order to wrestle back some dominance. Samir Nasri is gone but Hatem Ben Arfa could potentially be the key, and Lyon could regret letting him go. Coach Eric Gerets has a lot of experience and has brought discipline to the squad. You would be a fool to back against Lyon making it 8 in a row, but what the hell? I never was the brightest.
Dutch Eredivisie Winners - Ajax
PSV have been dominant in recent years and been impressive in the Champions League. They (as usual) have lost a number of key players this time around and Ajax have been getting closer and closer to them. With Marco Van Basten in charge and exciting young Serb Striker Miralem Sulejmani signed up (a definite one to watch this season) let's go with Ajax to get back where they belong
Scottish SPL Winners - Celtic
Well it's one of two in Scotland of course (Just like in England really) and after Rangers disastrous showing in the Champions League (losing to the mighty FBK Kaunas from Lithuania) Celtic would appear to have the edge. Neither side has made huge strides in the transfer market this summer but Celtic's squad looks more talented and better balanced. What's more with Rangers now out of Europe all together Celtic will be taking home all of Scotland's pot of money from the Champions league and thus if things are going wrong they have the money to improve things in January.
Morgan Marx
German Bundesliga Winners - Bayern Munich
Big surprise, but watch VFL Wolfsburg. Zaccardo and Barzagli? Felix Magath knows what he's doing.
French Ligue 1 Winners - Lyon
Bigger Surprise.
Dutch Eredivisie Winners - Ajax
PSV departures plus arrival of Van Basten puts Ajax back on top.
Scottish SPL Winners - Celtic
Still a class apart.
Lotfi Sariahmed
German Bundesliga Winners - Bayern Munich
As long as Bayern doesn't completely collapse early with all these injuries, it should run away with the league once everyone comes back healthy.
French Ligue 1 Winners - Lyon
With Coupet going to Atletico, I was compelled to go with Marseille…then I almost forgot about Nasri going to Arsenal. So lets stick with Lyon.
Dutch Eredivisie Winners - PSV Eindhoven
No real rhyme or reason to my pick…I figured why not?
Scottish SPL Winners - Rangers
I'm big on the Rangers being motivated this season by their early Cup exit. So the Rangers will win the league.
Tim O'Sullivan
Winners - Tottenham
Oh no, it can't happen, can it? Unfortunately, I think it can. Juande Ramos will take the competition extremely seriously and by the knockouts they'll have the team unity to go all the way. Now if you'll excuse me I'm going off to vomit.
Losing Finalists - Sevilla
No place for AC Milan in either spot here. They'll probably do a Bayern and be overly casual against a hard-working Eastern European team. As for Sevilla, they'll be incredibly tough to beat, they have the game to win anywhere in Europe and the football gods love awkward reunion matches like these.
Matt Snelling
Winners - AC Milan
Well I have to throw some sort of bone to Milan here as I have them finishing outside the top 4 in Italy and thus missing out on the Champions League again. With Milan, the signing of Ronaldinho could go either way, I really can't predict whether his signing will be a flop or a master stroke of genius. The rest of the squad while still full of really talented players with great histories in the game still looks too old, although there should be even better things to come from Pato. Obviously it's very hard to pick the winner of the UEFA Cup when losing teams from the CL drop in but as I don't believe Milan have ever won the trophy before lets go for them to have something to cheer about.
Losing Finalists - Tottenham
I actually think Tottenham, given their squad stand a really good chance of winning the tournament this year. Once again it's hard to know how teams will get on given you don't know who will be dropping in but Spurs look a really strong outfit and could go a long way.
Morgan Marx
Winners - Stuttgart
Arrivals of Jens Lehaman and Khalid Boulahrouz put Stuttgart over the top (AKA, I have no idea).
Losing Finalists - Grasshoppers
Do we even know which teams will parachute into this competition?
Lotfi Sariahmed
Winners - Sevilla
Complete crapshoot since we don't even know half the teams that are going to be in this yet…Sevilla sounds good though so why not?
Losing Finalists - Marseille
Hey, last year it was Rangers v. Zenit. Why not Sevilla v. Marseille?
Tim O'Sullivan
Winners - Chelsea
This is why I think they'll suffer in the Prem. The Blues will be so ridiculously up for this competition after last season's heartbreak. It may slightly hinder them domestically. Chelsea have a fantastic squad, recent experience of reaching the final and a burning desire. I would almost be surprised if they didn't win this.
Losing Finalists - Barcelona
Another fading La Liga campaign will probably give them more imputes for this competition. They were horrible against United in the semi-final last season, yet they still had chances to progress. A bit more drive and Leo Messi's name on the team sheet will give them a chance to go all the way.
Surprise Package - Zenit St. Petersburg
Even minus Arshavin, they'll be a horrible team to play against. A good manager, they're used to winning and they'll be devastating at home.
Top Scorer - Fernando Torres
It could be anyone. It's been won by midfielders over the past two seasons, but I'll go for El Nino this time around.
Matt Snelling
Winners - Inter Milan
Inter (like Tottenham, Newcastle, Schalke and Atletico Madrid) are one of football's ultimate ‘bottle jobs' who whenever they get anywhere near looking like they can win in Europe always seem to implode in a sea of dismissals and crowd trouble. Thus this season, I am counting on Mourinho to make the difference and change the mentality of an ultra talented squad into one who are winners and can compete at the highest level. The team they have is not a problem, and this could be the hallowed first European Cup since 1965. As long as Mourinho doesn't come up against Liverpool in the semi-finals of course…
Losing Finalists - Chelsea
And here we go again, Chelsea to fall just short in an intriguing battle with their former manager. It works well for a movie script I think what with Scolari's Portuguese connections as well. Chelsea have the strength of squad and character to get to the final again and also the depth to be competing on several fronts, indeed only the men from Stamford Bride, Inter, Manchester United and Real Madrid would appear to have the squads to effectively challenge on both domestic and European fronts. Chelsea might have to watch out though, too many gallant losing efforts might mean they might lose their tag as being hated and become embraced by the British public as being the plucky losers we love to support.
Surprise Package - Zenit St Petersburg
A bit of a clichéd one for surprise package I know, but it's quite hard to pick a surprise package for the Champions League given the wide gap between the ‘haves' and ‘have not's'. They were really impressive in the UEFA Cup last season (especially in their destruction of Bayern in the semis) and many of their players reputations were also enhanced by Russia's exploits in the summer. Obviously whether Arshavin stays or not will be important.
Top Scorer - Adriano
Well it only makes sense to pick a top scorer from the winners or a team that gets a long way, so let's go with a revitalised Adriano to be top scorer in Italy and top scorer in the Champions League.
Morgan Marx
Winners - Bayern Munich
It's been a while since a non-England-Spain-Italy team won. Bayern aren't exactley Porto in terms of underdog status, but perhaps Klinsmann can rally the troops using the New England Patriots "No one thinks we can win" mantra.
Losing Finalists - Manchester United
A re-do of '99.
Surprise Package - Bordeaux
No real reason, but it would be a surprise if a French team actually progressed. Lyon seems to have some aversion to Champion's League success, and I do like Yoann Gourcuff.
Top Scorer - David Trezeguet
It all depends on the match-ups and games played. If Trez puts six past Artmedia Petrzalk, that will give him a boost.
Lotfi Sariahmed
Winners - Liverpool
It seems to be Rafa Benitez's thing…getting his team up to win the Champions League. Given what he has in attack and given their luck in this competition (See 2nd leg v. Arsenal last year), Liverpool is about as good a bet as any.
Losing Finalists - Barcelona
While I don't see Barcelona being able to put it together consistently enough to win La Liga, a strong run in the Champions League is a different story. They will have been together for at least a little bit and this is still an experienced enough team to where Guardiola and Barca could do some damage.
Surprise Package - Whomever beats Inter
Because while we know it's going to happen…we're always just at least a little surprised every time.
Top Scorer - Fernando Torres
The way I have things going his team will be in it the longest…so it would make sense Torres would be the top scorer.
Thanks again to the fellas.
Enjoy the start of the season, read everyone's columns over the season and rubber up. That's all the advice I have.
