Arsenal: Few clubs can boast the European consistency maintained by Arsenal as they enter their 14th consecutive Champions league group stage but even from their most optimistic followers’ view-point, they have got the worst possible draw. They will face a very talented and gifted Dortmund side, who look contenders for the crown even after losing their best player in Mario Gotze, followed by a rejuvenated Napoli under Rafael Benitez and the French challengers, Marseille. Last time Arsenal faced Dortmund and Marseille in the group-stages the Germans were eliminated.
But, Dortmund have gone from group-stage casualty to Champions League runner up in a season. Napoli will be inspired from their previous performances against Manchester City and Chelsea whom they beat convincingly in Naples. Marseille are no slouches themselves having ousted Dortmund the last time they met. Although Arsenal might look weaker on paper Arsene Wenger’s team have never exited at the group-stage since the turn of the millennium and they have escaped from tougher situations before.
Manchester United: The Red Devils under a new manager who lacks European experience would have hoped for a more favorable draw. Compared to Arsenal’s fate it looks easier but still the group looks evenly poised as United face old nemesis, Bayern Leverkusen of Germany, and first time meetings against an improving Shakthar Donetsk from Ukraine, and the La Liga‘s surprise package of Real Sociedad.
United’s three opponents may lack the European experience but have more than enough threat to trouble United. David Moyes managerial prowess at the continental level will be put to stern test as United face daunting trips to Leverkusen, Basque country, and far away Ukraine. Shakhtar produced two fantastic displays against Chelsea accounting for their group-stage exit and can give a tough game to anybody.
Leverkusen have never beaten United but were responsible for their semi-final exit in the 2001-2002 season thanks to the away-goals rule. United were left red-faced by a brilliant Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League two seasons back, and Moyes has to be on top to improve United’s treacherous recent record against Spanish opponents as they face Real Sociedad for the first time in their history.
Celtic: The Bhoys will be counting on the thought, “nothing is impossible “as they prepare to take-on the might of Barcelona, Milan and Ajax. After a dramatic play-off win against an unknown Shakthar Karagandy of Kazakhstan Celtic boss, Neil Lennon would have prayed for an easier group than this.
Barcelona is virtually assured of a top place thanks to the presence of an average Milan side who look to be in transition. Ajax may have the talent but like the bite to seriously pose a challenge. This might seem like an opportunity for Celtic, but they themselves have lost some key players in the transfer window and their plight can be gauged by the difficulty they encountered in overcoming the Kazakh champions.
The above list is not intended to undermine any side’s chances rather it just presents an opinion on their chances of progressing to the next round based on the recent form and previous performances. Whatever are the challenges, the contenders and the pretenders will fight till the end to stop Pep Guardiola’s Bayern Munich to set a record by successfully defending the Champions league crown and carve out their own names on the famous trophy.