Monday 13 September 2010

Put Your Money on Madrid

Predictions for UCL ahead of the start of the group stage

Barca will still be comfortably the best passing team on the planet, & are once again faves with the bookies. But do Barca have a plan B if opponents 'park the bus' & they can’t break the defence down with their passing game?

It's dangerous to read too much into one game, but the holders, Inter, lost the Super Cup to Atletico Madrid. Their new manager, Benitez, of course has a very good Euro record (1 Uefa Cup, as well as winner & RU in UCL) though.

What of the British teams’ chances?
Spurs have tough group & will do well to make the knockout stages, while Rangers have it even tougher.
Chelsea will be strong again, but what will they do if their talisman Drogba gets injured?
Man Utd & Arsenal will flatter to deceive, but I can’t see them getting past the quarters.

Which leaves (Real) Madrid. Is it asking too much for even the 'special one' to deliver the big prize in his first season in charge? However, if anyone can coach Madrid to improve their defence it's Mourinho, & they're not lacking in attack with Kaka & Ronaldo now joined by Mesut Ozil. They drew their first game in La Liga (away to Mallorca), but by the time of the knock-out stages Jose will have sorted the team shape & tactics.

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