As the European competition kicks off on 14th September we take a look at the teams and our predictions from Group B
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Olympique Lyonnais
How they made it: Runners up in the French league last season, Lyon earned a direct entry into Europe’s premier competition and will be the clear favourites to progress through in this group.
Players to watch out for: €22 million Bordeaux signing Gourcuff will be their playmaker in midfield and their top marksman last season Lisandro Lopez will also be a constant threat upfront. Expect daring runs on the left flank from Michel Bastos while defender Criss and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris will be expected to provide the much needed solidity at the back.
How far can they go: Lyon surprised many when they made it to the semi-finals last season and with a little bit more luck could have gone all the way. However, expecting them to repeat the heroics of last season may be a bit far fetched but a top eight finish looks likely.
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FC Schalke 04
How they made it: Finishing second in the Bundesliga last term FC Schalke earned automatic qualification for the Champions League.
Players to watch out for: It will be interesting to see if their newest inquisition Huntelaar can shake of his disappointing season at AC Milan and start afresh. It may also well be the year in which the young Ivan Rakitic may realise his true potential. After a fantastic last season, expectations from Kuranyi will be high and young German keeper Neuer will be expected to keep a clean sheet.
How far can they go: FC Schalke with their physical playing style and their tendency to heavily rely on set pieces are not expected to go far in a division competed by the elite. However making it through the group stages will be a good achievement in a competition where they have apparently had little success.
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SL Benfica
How they made it: Twice European champions Benfica earned direct qualification after piping Braga to the Portuguese league title in the 2009-10 season.
Players to watch out for: Benfica has many talented youngsters coming through with Fabio Coentrao being one of them. After a good league season and a brilliant World Cup he is expected to shine. Attacking midfielder Aimar is expected to provide the ammunition upfront while highly rated central defender David Luiz well be keen to show why some of the world’s biggest clubs want his signature.
How far can they go: Benfica’s chances of progressing in the competition will depend on how well they can perform at home and on their away fixture to Schalke may also prove crucial. Any progress beyond the group stages will be deemed a bonus.
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Hapoel Tel Aviv
How they made it: The Israeli champions qualified for the competition after beating Aktobe 3-2 on aggregate and thereafter going on to beat Red Bull Salzburg 4-3 in the qualifying round.
Players to watch out for: Vincent Enyeama who had a brilliant World Cup with Nigeria will be out again to prove that he can play for the bigger leagues in Europe.
How far can they go: Making an entry into this competition since 2000 is in itself a big achievement for the club. However they are expected to be the whipping boys and are likely to finish bottom in the group.
Group Prediction
It is expected to be a three horse race with Lyon being the firm favourites as table toppers. Benfica and Schalke will battle for the second place with the German side having a slight edge to go through. Hapoel Tel Aviv will be the team that the others in the group will expect to beat and it will be an achievement if they can even garner a point from this group.