So as it stands, these are the teams in first place and the ones we might get. Porto Málaga CF Borussia Dortmund Shakhtar Donetsk Bayern München Barcelona Can't see us having a hope in hell against Barca or Bayern. Dortmund are looking good, but we did beat them last year and might get through. I think we stand a decent chance against the others.
We still have a good chance of getting first. But having said that, finishing first isn't as good as it used to be, if we come first we have to face the likes of Juventus, Milan, Madrid, PSG, hardly a piece of cake, just look what happened to us when we faced Milan last year. The only advantage i'd say is you play your second game at home, but that also depends, if you play your first game at home, and do it extremely well, the 2nd game becomes much easier, case in point, Milan against us. I'd like us to draw either Porto or Malaga should we come second, wouldn't mind a trip to Portugal or Spain!
Exactly, the CL is getting stronger and apart from a couple of duds that might qualify from United's group, most of the teams are going to be of a very high level in the last 16.
We want to avoid Bayern, Barca and Dortmund if we come second. Shaktar also look like a hard draw but I would still fancy us over two legs.
Malaga would be the best choice, followed by Porto. But to be honest, we're going to have to beat one of the top teams at some stage in this comp. But It would be good to progress as far as we can
Not sure why people want an easy next tie, it's not like the following tie will be easier or as easy in the Champions league. So far we haven't look convincing this season. Better we play some decent opposition now and see how good we really are than get spanked later on. At least we can re-evaluate our position and take it from there.
Reading Wenger's press conference after the game, he seems to be intent and getting first in this group. Said he we will take a 'full strength' team to Greece.
We only need to better their result to come top. So even a draw for Schalke would be fine if we can win.
We don't have the required bench strength to rest players in the Champions league unfortunately. Wenger's tried it in the past and got burnt. He's seemed to have learnt his lessons and putting out a full strength squad out now. Good.
Both the goal from last night. Can watch that Podolski goal all day. please log in to view this image please log in to view this image
Anyone watch the highlights from Dortmunds win? - they are looking formidable as are Bayern and Juventus. Looks like its going to be a tough year to win it. Alot of teams looking good. I'm not sure it makes much difference finishing first or second.
Well we will have to play a tough side eventually so it may as well happen sooner rather than later. I would prefer to get one of the bigger sides because there will be less pressure of us to perform and maybe we will play better.
Dortmund have been brilliant. To top that group is some achievement. Reus,Gotze and Lewandowski is one hell of a front three.
What it does show is the English teams are nothing much to write home about. The reality is they are lagging behind now and the Spanish and German teams leading the way. Only Manure will have any chance of progessing the furthest, and that's down to SAF. I don't want to say it but we are probably the worst of the 3, by a significant margin.
The German teams (Bayern,Schalke,Dortmund) have been on fire in the CL. Between them they have played fifteen games and they have only lost one game. (Bayern lost to Bate).
