UEFA Champions League 2013: The 'new' League of Champions

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)

PSG have one of the strongest squads on paper (Getty Images)

If the game of football were to be played on paper and not on the field, then Paris St. Germain would have been in the same league as Barcelona and Bayern Munich. The mega rich Parisian club has a squad which, on a given day, is capable of beating any of the biggest clubs across Europe. They might just be the next challenger to the coveted trophy alongside big names such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and the English clubs.

PSG undisputedly won the French Ligue 1 last year, but they are behind new money bags – AS Monaco – at the start of this season. The addition of Cavani, to an already star studded lineup, will be a major threat for the opponents in Europe and he would be expected to live up to his hefty price tag. Unpredictably awesome, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also an important asset to the team, and has shown leadership qualities in times of crisis.

The new coach Laurent Blanc’s inexperience in the competition is a cause of worry to the supporters and he has to seize the opportunity and prove his worth to the footballing world.

PSG have their task cut out as they are placed alongside weaker European sides and Benfica is the only team that might give them a little trouble in their path to knock out stages. They were edged out by Barcelona in the quarter-finals last year on goal difference after an aggregate score of 3-3, a disappointment for the fans after their team had outplayed Barcelona on several fronts. The French champions would want to improve on that record and at least reach the semis this time.

I pick them to go be a serious contender in the Champions League and cause a few upsets in the knock-out stages.

Opposition: SL Benfica, RSC Anderlecht, Olympiacos FCPlayers to watch out : Edinson Cavani, Thiago Silva, Zlatan Ibrahimovic