Preview: Champions League Group E

With the UEFA Champions League set to return this month, we analyse the draws of the Group Stages and what the fans have to look forward to from the early days of Europe’s elite competition. Group E, the one with defending European Champions Chelsea FC, defending Italian Champions Juventus, defending Ukrainian Champions Shakhtar Donetsk and Danish outfit Nordsjælland is all set to be dissected and analysed.

Group E

1. Chelsea FC	3. Juventus
2. Shakhtar Donetsk	4. FC Nordsjælland

Chelsea FC:

Chelsea FC, having looked strong in the first three games of the Barclays Premier League, collapsed dramatically in the annual curtain-raiser of the European season, the European Super Cup. Although much of the credit should go to Atletico Madrid hit-man Falcao, slack defending and an overall over-confident display from Chelsea was at fault for an embarrassing night for the Londoners. Although new signings this summer of players such as Hazard, Oscar, Marin have made them an attacking side, a certain change from their playing style in Europe last season when they defended their way to the crown, performing at such high levels will be a challenge for the Blues. The very least their fans will be expecting this season is an effortless passage of the group stage along with dignified performances to take them as far as possible. With difficult trips to Ukraine and Italy, this is one thing which the Chelsea hierarchy will be wary of. A second place finish to the group with some average performances is what I expect from this new look Chelsea side.

Shakhtar Donetsk:

Three time on-the-trot winners of the Ukrainian League, Shakhtar Donetsk are coming off a spectacular period of domestic dominance which is expected to continue for a while. Though, their European record is no good compared to that, the 2009 UEFA Cup winners have never been among the top contenders for a knockout-round spot. This year is no different with their squad over-reliant on the trio of Willian, Fernandinho and Eduardo. A first round exit albeit going through to the Europa League via third place is my prediction.

Juventus:

The Italian Champions’ return to the European fold this year looks most promising as compared to recent seasons. By snatching back the Serie A Title from the Milan giants, being unbeaten throughout the season has given real confidence to the Turin side to make an impact in this year’s Champions League. Not only this, but smart moves in the transfer market to bring in promising young talent in the form of Paul Pogba and Nicklas Bendtner (albeit on loan from Arsenal) have also upped their stock. Having got in Lucio from Inter this season brings the much needed experience to their backline and thus a strong performance in this years’ edition is definitely expected. I predict a first place finish for the Turin giants with tactically astute performances from Antonio Conte’s side.

Nordsjælland:

Having merged Farum Klub and Stavnsholt Boldklub to form Nordsjælland in 2003, the management of this relatively new Denmark based club will be proud to add the League Title for the first time in their history last season. With qualification for the Champions League thus confirmed for the first time in their history, the club and its staff will be happy to make their presence felt in this campaign. Having played Europa League football in recent seasons (but not progressing fairly past the group stages), their experience of traditional European football is less and even less is the experience facing clubs of Chelsea FC and Juventus’ quality.

Getting a noteworthy result away at London, Turin or Donetsk will be one of their major aims this season, not to mention they will try to make their home a fortress. Although I expect this to be a blink and miss campaign in the group stage, they could very well be a surprise package. I would expect them to finish bottom of the group albeit with a fight, a scare to the major contenders of this group.