Comments on: Premier League Clubs Face Tricky Opposition In Champions League

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:22:21 +0000

Have to agree with Lonnie on this one Gaffer Arsenal are not that stunning whereas Roma have turned things around over the last month and half.

Roma come into their meeting with Arsenal as group winners while the Gunners came up short against FC Porto.

After hearing Derek Ray on WSD and reading David Pleat's article, Four of the Best - http://tinyurl.com/3gmlzf I'm of the opinion there is over confidence by those following the English clubs.

At least Pleat ponders the counter-strike and fluent passing game of Roma which should limit Arsenal offensively.

By: Django

Django — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:31:03 +0000

For me the purpose of the group stage is for teams like Panathinaikos to battle through and end up in the knockout stages. Maybe not an earth-shattering upset, but hardly expected. I enjoy the Tuesday/Wednesday fixtures…I do agree that after qualification is determined the matches are a little boring, but overall I'm a big fan of the group stages.

By: ls7

ls7 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:15:32 +0000

I have to disagree that the group stage was boring. There were many interesting storylines and tightly-contested matches. Besides the group stage is a cash-cow which some of the smaller clubs like Cluj get a taste of from time to time. It's a good thing for them and I'd hate to see the Champions League become a completely closed shop (though it's getting closer all the time as most of the 16 teams in this round are familiar faces and have been here many times).

Also, I think the Roma – Arsenal matchup is going to be closer than you're predicting. Arsenal have not exactly been lighting it up this year.