Favourites
AC Milan ;- After last years historic triumph in the champions league final the "rosseniri" have both experience and know-how in their side. With a solid defence marshalled by Paolo Maldini and attackers of the quality of Kaka and Schevchenko Milan cannot be written off by anybody.
Real Madrid ;- Los Gallacticos will no doubt be there or there abouts come the climax of the tournament. Although the defence looks rather thin and unreliable who cares when you have attackers such as Zidane, Ronaldo,Raul, Ronaldo and Figo in your side
Dark horses
Arsenal;- Arsenal are one time that everyone wants to avoid. They have hit a great run of form and when on their day can beat any team in europe. Their attractive style of play combined with a good attitude has made them a potent force. With the speed of Henry and the guile of Bergkamp coupled with the marathon man that is Viera and the force of Campbell Arsenal seem to have a good chance of winning this years competiton. However doubts still reamain over their ability to handle pressure.
Deportivio De La Coruna ;- Deportivo have built themselves a reputation amongst the big guns in eurpean football. They combine a formidable defence led by Jorge Andrade with Galicean flair. Although they have promised much in yonder years their victory over juventus could suggest that all that promise may finally be fufiled. With Valeron threading balls through and Sergio/Maruo Silva carrying the water the team is well balanced and well capable of springing an upset in this years competition.
Outsiders
Porto;-The Uefa cup holders have taken the champions league by storm this season. There victory over Manchester United was not seen as a huge shcok by many football pundits and this is a testimony to Jose Mourinho and his men. Their fast tempo style of football is ideal for european football and in deco they have one of the best playmakers in the world. Though they seem to lack a top-quality striker after the freak accident to top-scorer Derlie nevertheless they should not be written off.
Chelsea- The revolution that Chelski have under gone under Russian sugar daddy Roman Abramovic has enabled them to assemble one of the finest squads in european football. With almost £150m worth of talent on their books Chelsea's squad looks formidable. With players like Duff and Mutu Chelsea are a dangerous team who can produce the unexpected. Needless to say there are still doubts concerning their ability to play and gel as a team and this years form has been stuttery to say the least. Nevertheless if Chelsea click into gear there could be no-stopping them.
Unlikely
Monaco- The team from the Principality have put money problems to one side and have taken the competition by the scruff of the neck. Pre-season was a catastrophy and it appeared that Monaco were going to be thrown out of the compeition. However after mad negotiations between club and officials the team were reinstated and have never looked back since. Their 8-3 thrashing of Deportivo in the group stage sent tremors around europe. The team play good football and like to attack down the wings. In Rothen and Guily Monaco possess two old fashioned wingers who are capable of beating defenders and winning matches on their own. In Prso and morientes Moanco also have two "bulldog" forwards who can make the most of the good play on the wings. However Monaco lack the support and financial clout of some of the teams still left in the competiton and there squad looks terribly thin. Injuries to key players could spell disaster.
Lyon- Another French team who have over performed in this seasons competition. Lyon over-came both Celtic and Bayern Munich to claim first place in their group and have looked fairly solid ever since. Their defence looks robust and with Gouvu, Malouda and Luyindula\Elber in attack Lyon have a trio of nippy forwards who can cause defences problems. Lyon's problems tend to lie in the left back area where they lack a recognised full back. However with a bit of luck combined with a favorable draw Lyon could end up springing one or two surprises in this season
