Listening to people in my local last night, it’s easy to get the impression that the top-four English clubs have now attained such a superiority in European football that a repeat of last year’s Champions League Cup semi-finals, which included three English teams, is now almost inevitable. Over-optimistic football betting enthusiasts might like to think somewhat more soberly about this, however, before getting too excited about our chances of at least two of our exalted teams.

Liverpool and Arsenal May Struggle

Both Liverpool and Arsenal are struggling to present a convincing force to be reckoned with at home, never mind in Europe. Arsenal will be looking at their trip to Porto, Portuguese champions for the last three years, with a wary eye while Dynamo Kiev, impressive in their path to qualification, will be no pushover. Liverpool, having drawn the short straw with their group, have to contend with a confident PSV, a potent in attack Atletico Madrid and an upwardly mobile Marseilles with excellent new signing Hatem Ben Arfa. Admittedly, Liverpool seem to have an endless supply of rabbits in their hat but they will have it all to do this time.

Man Unt Look Like Potential Winners Again

Manchester United have been gifted a relatively lightweight draw and, with their bottomless pit of resources, should dominate their group. Champions League betting fans realise that, injuries apart, Ferguson’s men will find little to challenge them in the group stages. The Celtic v. United match will be one to watch but it is unlikely that the Scots, despite their defeat of Fergie’s men in 2007, will cause much damage. Chelsea will also progress to the knockout stages with relative ease. Roman has decreed it and, although Roma will have a go at them, Scolari has the cunning to thwart their best efforts.