A few minutes ago we had the group stage draw.
It was an interesting draw in which we had sensational groups and other less interesting groups, theoretically.
In group A we have Bayern Munich and Manchester United as favorites to qualify in the first two places. However, the fight for the place that gives access to the Europa League will be an exciting one between FC Copenhagen and Galatasary.
Group B, although it does not have major European giants, Arsenal FC is the most favorite to qualify for the next phase. The fight for the other qualifying place will be played in my opinion between Sevilla and PSV, although we cannot rule out Lens from that fight.
In group C, although there is a team from my country (SC Braga), the favorites to qualify for the next stage are Real Madrid and Napoli. Both Braga and Union Berlin will fight for the qualifying place for the Europa League.
In group D, Benfica and Inter Milan are the favorites to qualify, as Inter reached the final last season and Benfica reached the quarter-finals. Salzburg should qualify for the Europa League.
Group E is an interesting group where in my opinion there is no clear favorite to qualify for the next stage as all teams can qualify.
Group F is the so-called group of DEATH, which is made up of Paris Saint-Germain, Dortmund, AC Milan and NewCastle. Clearly it is one of the strongest groups in this edition. It will be fun to see what will happen in the group of the old rich (PSG) and the new rich (NewCastle).
Manchester City are the clear favorites to qualify first, and in my opinion the other team to qualify should be RB Leipzig. The fight for qualification for the Europa League will be between Crvena and Zvezda and Young Boys.
In group H, Barcelona and FC Porto are the favorites to qualify for the next stage and in my opinion Shaktar Donestk will qualify for the Europa League. I think Antwerp will have a lot of difficulties as they are a club with no experience, but in football nothing is an exact science.
These are my predictions for the group stage.
As I said before, football is not an exact science and surprises can happen.
Let's see what will happen!
