A Barcelona (without a doubt the biggest contender in this group) Leverkusen (might be strong enough to end above Inter and Newcastle but they will probably need some luck) Internazionale (Very dangerous but their lack of power to make the play sometimes might break them up. Are a contender but not significantly stronger than Leverkusen and Newcastle. With some luck anything can happen for them though.) Newcastle (A bit of a questionmark. Will probably be battling Leverkusen and Inter for the second spot) B Roma (Big questionmark. I considder them the least favourite to qualify from this group but certainly do have a chance) Ajax (My beloved Ajax. A questionmark. Their chances will depend on form as they are a bit inconsistent. Can beat Roma and on a good day maybe even Arsenal. If the injury problems keep continuing there's little chance they'll make it) Valencia (Incredible. As far as I'm concerned they are sure to qualify) Arsenal (Can be incredible. Can be mediocre. Will have to be on their toes to make it but are definitely favourites behind Valencia) C Milan (How quickly things can change! If they keep it up I reckon they will end in 1st place) Madrid (Very good, sometimes just good. Very probably second to qualify) Dortmund (Solid but will have a very hard time. But with Germans you never know what will happen) Lok Moscow (The big outsider, almost certain to come in last. Might be the team that decides the outcome of this group since I reckon they are capable of stealing points at home) D Juventus (Strong but certainly not unbeatable by any of their three rivals. Questionmark but still favourite together with Manure) Man Utd (Same as Juve actually) La Coruna (Maybe a bit less stronger than Juve and Manure, but certainly a contender) Basel (anything is possible. Remind me of the 95 Ajax a bit so I wouldn't be too surprised if they make it. Still, favourites to come in last)
Good summary One thing to consider - before they lost Valeron, Deportivo was playing some of the best football in Europe. After the first two games, he'll be back--I don't know who they play in those two games, but if their 3&4 home and away games are with either ManU or Juventus, that team will be at a disadvantage because Deportivo will be a much stronger team. Also, I think Dortmund could be sneaky--they looked good against Arsenal and I think Rosicky is underrated, really world-class.
I said it in the other thread, but AFCA doesn't seem to watch Spanish football. Barcelona are mediocre, and have not beaten a top team in any competition all season. These sentiments also came from Guilleme Ballegue, who is an authourity on Spansih football, and is Spanish. Inter are favourites, Barcelona and Newcastle have the same chance. Bayer are the weakest team.
Have you seen Inter? Get real mate. Take out Crespo and keep focussed and Inter is gone. Their performance in the CL has been of a higher standard than Inter's. Besides, if Louis van Gaal is smart enough to take a real close look at Inter he should be able to think of a way to take out Crespo. Without Crespo Inter is 1/2 of what it is now. So don't give me that crap 'my spanish expert says this and that'. I don't care, I disagree. The funny thing in football is that it's a strategic game. Look for the weak spot and if your plan works you can beat anyone.
Who have Barcelona beaten all season, who? Galatasary finished bottom of their group for gods sake, that's how poor it was, with Brugge and Lokomotiv fighting for second spot. They have done nothing. Inter are not better in attack, but their defence is perfect for beating Barcelona. Barcelona may well qualify, but far from easily.
No one will qualify easily. But any team with more accurate strikers than Ajax can beat Inter. That's what round 1 showed me. But hey... who knows. Let's just hope they won't win the CL.
And exactly who has Inter beaten? That's right, they haven't beaten a quality opponent all year either. (yes, that's for you AFCA... )
As far as the Italian sides go, we are still yet to see Roma, Inter or Juventus hit top form. Roma missed Totti for most of their games, but with him they beat Real Madrid. I'm very anxious to see what happens, but once again, as a Milan fan, I'm completely calm about their prospects to make the next round. I agree that Barcelona havent beaten quality opposition yet, I noticed that myself. Newcastle could very well fall into an 0-3 start once again, I honestly don't think they'll make it to the next round, they were very fortunate.
Kind of short-sighted summary this.... Well first you would have to score against one of the stingiest defences in the world on one of the top 'keepers. And then if Crespo didn't score, I'm sure Vieri did, or Recoba. Their big weakness is in Midfield. And wouldn't be such a problem if they played Dalmat more often.
Re: Good summary I couldn't agree more. No one in Spain means as much to their team as Valeron does to Depor. Frankly I am delighted they have made it this far without him. If Depor ever gets healthy they will be a serious force. They have gotten this far despite 4 or 5 key injuries.
I wouldn't go so far as to call myslef an expert on Spanish soccer but Barca has been a mess. They seems like a gumbo of talent with no form. They put together some good wins in what was by far the weakest group. But you have to respect their potential.
A Barcelona > struggle but qualify in the end Internazionale > good defence and attack, will qualify. Weakness is midfield. Leverkusen, Newcastle > I don't see them qualifying, probably Newcastle ends 3rd. B Roma > a mediocre team, won't qualify. Ajax > they could qualify or end last... that's what youth has. Valencia > if they can keep the rythm, it's quite hard to beat them. Arsenal > another of my favourite teams to win the tournament C Milan > favourites to the title, a lot of stars plus Pirlo Madrid > must improve a LOT to qualify, fortunately the game in Moscow is in March Dortmund > can challenge Madrid for a spot, better than they seem Lok Moscow > the cinderellas D Juventus > a very balanced team, perhaps the most, although they're not the brightest; I'm pretty sure they'll qualify. Man Utd, Depor > both are IMO contenders at 50% of possibilities for the second spot Basel > see Lokomotiv