The draw for the Champions League Group Stages was made yesterday with some very interesting ties to look forward to. This is what I think of the draw.
Out of all the English clubs, Newcastle have by far the toughest draw as they'll be up against PSG, Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan on their return to Europe's top club competition. PSG will probably be favourites to win the group due to the quality they possess whilst AC Milan will look to go far again after reaching the semi finals last season. Borussia Dortmund might not be as strong as they were last season after losing Jude Bellingham but their experience at this level could be a challenge for the Magpies. This group is without a doubt the group of depth because of the calibre of teams involved.
Arsenal also have a tough draw on their return to the competition as they'll be up against Europa League winners Sevilla, PSV and Lens. The Gunners played PSV in the Europa League last season beating them at the Emirates but losing in Eindhoven. Mikel Arteta's side will expect another tough test when they face them this season. Sevilla will also be a tough test as they won the Europa League last season and have in the past had some good results against British clubs. The Gunners should definitely beat Lens who are making their debut in the competition this season but Sevilla and PSV will be tough tests.
Holders Man City have another straightforward group as they'll be facing RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade and Young Boys. RB Leipzig could be a tough one as City found out in the first leg of their last 16 tie against them last season, but they should still have enough to beat them with the quality they possess. Red Star and Young Boys on the other hand are games they should win reasonably comfortably.
Man United also should have enough to get out of their group as they'll be up against teams they should beat. Bayern Munich will obviously be their toughest game as they're one of the favourites to win the competition and especially now they've got Harry Kane leading their attack. But United should be able to beat Copenhagen and Galatasaray to qualify from the group.
Celtic have another group as they'll be facing Atletico Madrid, Feyenoord and Lazio. Atletico will obviously be a tough one as they're a very tough side to play against and have some quality player in attack. Feyenoord and Lazio will also be tough as Feyenoord won the Dutch Eredivisie last season playing some exciting football whilst Lazio finished 2nd in Serie A.
Last seasons finalists Inter Milan have a straightforward group as they'll be facing Benfica, Salzburg and Real Sociedad. Benfica will be a tough test as they've caused some upsets in this competition over the last couple of seasons but on paper, Inter should have enough to beat them and top the group.
Record winners Real Madrid have a reasonably straightforward group as they'll be facing Napoli, Braga and debutants Union Berlin. Napoli will obviously be their toughest game as they still have Victor Oshimen leading their attack which was one of the best in Europe last season. But they should still have more than enough to beat both Braga and Union Berlin with the quality they have. Their el-classico rivals in Barcelona also have a straightforward group as they'll be facing Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk and Royal Antwerp. Barca may have crashed out at the group stage for the last couple of seasons, but they should fare better this time round as they have a more winnable group.
FULL GROUP STAGE DRAW:
GROUP A: Bayern Munich, Man United, Copenhagen, Galatasaray
GROUP B: Sevilla, Arsenal, PSV, Lens
GROUP C: Napoli, Real Madrid, Braga, Union Berlin
GROUP D: Benfica, Inter Milan, Salzburg, Real Sociedad
GROUP E: Feyenoord, Atletico Madrid, Lazio, Celtic
GROUP F: PSG, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, Newcastle
GROUP G: Man City, RB Leipzig, Red Star Belgrade, Young Boys
GROUP H: Barcelona, Porto, Shakhtar Donetsk, Royal Antwerp
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