Champions League 2012-13 : Let the drama unfold

Telecasting Schedule for:

MATCHDAY 1:

Montpellier Vs Arsenal – Live at 12:15 AM on Ten Sports

Real Madrid Vs Man City – Live at 12:15 AM on Ten Action

MATCHDAY 2:

Barcelona Vs Spartak Moscow – Live at 12:15 AM on Ten Sports

Chelsea Vs Juventus – Live at 12:15 AM on Ten Action

Spain wins the 2010 World Cup and the recent Euros, pundits blatantly trumpet the La Liga as the best in the world. Come May, 2012 when Chelsea stand victorious at the Allianz arena, EPL is again the best. And now with PSG romping in talents like Ibra, Thiago Silva, Lavezzi, many see the power shifting towards France now.

Every year of the Champions League brings out a new tale. If in the 2010 edition it was the utter dominance by some teams like Barca and Man Utd, the one in 2011 was full of upsets and heroics. This year, right from the group stage draws to Wembley at the end, late night dramas are set to unfold.

Contenders for the title:

From Spain:

Barcelona: Season after season, the Catalan giants will be expected to be top of the pile this time around too. Xavi, Iniesta and Messi might have become household demigods these days, but serious troubles lie at the back for Vilanova’s men.

With Carles Puyol out again, Pique and Mascherano will be the only contenders left for the center back spot. Group stage games against Spartak Moscow and Celtic might not seem much of an uphill task, but the games against Benfica might be tricky for the champions.

The Portuguese giants, who outplayed Manchester United last year, will have players like Cardozo and Gaitan who will be willing to run the channels and trouble the diminutive Mascherano.

Real Madrid: Jose’s boys have had a torrid start to the League campaign and reports of unrest and discontent have erupted from the camp. Most of Spain expect Barca to sweep away the Los Blancos for the Spanish league this season, but the Champions League will be a completely different story.

Jose Mourinho has won the Copa and the League with Madrid and there is just one coveted trophy left that he has his eyes on. His team is placed in the Group of Death alongside City, Dortmund and Ajax, and ironically none of these 4 look in any sort of form right now.

With a currently misfiring attack of Ronaldo, Benzema and Higuan, Real have an embarrassment of riches in midfield to follow. And unsurprisingly that is the story of the entire Group D. Even though Dortmund will be relatively new to the CL, Klopp will be expected to deliver with his array of young stars. Mancini is yet to get Aguero back fit, and City is pretty evidently lacking firepower upfront. The defense also seems too shaky after conceding 6 goals in the first 4 league games.

From England:

Chelsea: the Champion League holders were the least expected of the final 4 last year to win the title. But their glory meant that Roman had a license to enjoy splashing around in the transfer market. With the current squad at RDM’s disposal, retaining the title might not be too much of an expectation.

The Blues who were criticized for ‘Parking the Bus’ last season, have not changed much in defense this time around. With last year’s star Drogba leaving, the onus is finally on Torres to lead the attack. The Spaniard, though looking inspired lately, is still misfiring in the league. Chelsea will have to beat Italian top dogs Juve to finish top of the table. That contest surely promises to be a matchup of contrasting styles.

The big dogs from Manchester this season do not look competitive enough for grabbing the title. Just like City, Utd have problems of their own in defense. Particularly their right back Rafael seems to be the weakling to be exploited, as the diminutive Brazilian, despite his attacking prowess, is caught out in his jumping and positioning. The Red Devil’s midfield also does not look as strong as during the years of Cantona and Kean, with Carrick and Cleverly the only in-form players, with Scholes chipping in at 38.

From Germany:

Bayern Munich: They will most definitely be considered as the dark horses of the tournament after last year’s performance. Whenever Bayern’s name comes up in CL, their match against Inter in 2010 comes to mind in which both team’s defenses were running around like headless chickens.

But this time around, Heyenkes might just have pulled off an extraordinary summer of signings. The arrival of the much coveted midfield general Javi Martinez is sure to provide ample cover for Schwenie. The defense has also been boosted by Dante in the centre, and the arrival of Shaqiri, Mandzukic and Pizzaro can most definetly be the coup of the window.

Bayern might be suffering injury troubles upfront right now, but Mandzukic has starting showing signs similar to his majestic display in the Euros.

For Italy:

Juventus: The Old Lady stands tall as Italy crumbles. After an unbeaten League campaign last season, Conte’s Juve have made people stand up and take notice.

With an attacking trio of Giovincco, Matri and Vucinic in marauding form, defense was the area that was strengthened during the summer. The transfer of Cáceres veteran defender Lucio from Inter has bolstered the ranks. The midfield is the area where Conte has brought in the riches. Midfield maestros Pirlo and Vidal have become one of the world’s best combinations in the centre of the park.

Giacherrini and Marchisio provide the width and energy required by the team. The presence of these 2 players gives Conte the option of adaptive formations, as Giacherrini plays as wing back as well as in advanced roles. Furthermore, the recent capture of the self proclaimed ‘best striker in the world’ Nicklas Bendtner will provide Juve a good physical presence in the box.

TRP Predictions for Group Winners:

Group A Group E

PSG 2. FC Porto 1. Chelsea 2. Juve

Group B Group F

Arsenal 2. Schalke 1. Bayern Munich 2. Valencia

Group C Group G

Zenit 2. AC Milan 1. Barcelona 2. Benfiga

Group D Group H

Madrid 2. Dortmund 1. Man Utd 2. Galatasaray