[DJ]

I don't think Man U will win for same reasons they didn't last year, defensively unstable. I don't rate Ferdinand as highly as others seem to and he keeps showing me why. Rio's concentration levels at times seem to be lacking and his passing seems to have deteriorated or he's trying too much with his passing. I might be wrong but I'm sure I have seen more wayward passes lately. Add in the fact that under Rio and Vidic there is not a lot of real cover and when the tough times hit them they'll concede. If you now add in the fact that Man U seem to struggle against any team that makes them work ie Reading, you will see that they have a number of weak spots. With Rooney out they lack a bit upfront, one of those who can make a real difference in group stage. Tevez is there but who knows how Tevez will play in Champions League as he has never experienced that level of football. I think they lack a real out and out scorer who can take them to the next level and unless they sign a 30 goal a season striker then they have no chance.

Chelsea too I doubt will win, they have a more resolute defence than Manchester United but I think at times that can lack that bit of novelty with their attacks. They often play too narrow in midfield and don't really test opposition full backs. It's why Lampard seems to play better in a Chelsea shirt than and England shirt, because he gets more of the ball. They seem to oft play an attack of hoof to Drogba and hope he does something or alternatively play a simple lay back to Lampard who eyes up his chances from outside the area before shooting. To this end I feel that Malouda and Wright-Phillips may help but only if used effectively. I believe that Joe Cole is a great midfielder but likes cutting in all too often which does nothing to help the width of the team. Finally at right full back they have a weak spot which does not appear to have been fully addressed. Belletti is a good signing but whether he is the answer only time will tell.

Arsenal flatter to deceive too often, playing beautiful passing football but too often with no end product. With Lehmann in goal they have a weak link as has been proved with a number of key mistakes so far this season. I don't believe he's comfortable with crosses, set pieces and seems to have a dodgy temperament. I too believe they have too little central defensive cover Gallas and Toure are a great pair but behind them, who? So I can see them making quarter finals maybe but no further.

Liverpool I believe will be the best English team again as they have a solid defence and can concede few goals. In Reina they have a great penalty stopping keeper who can make the difference at the end of those tight ties. With Torres, they have a striker who has shown great pace which will help with their counter attacking brand of football. They also have 3 superb central midfielders in Sissokko, Alonso and Gerrard. Gerrard now freed up will make a big difference when fit in attacking. Again they have a lack of real cover at centre back but I believe they are different to Arsenal and Man U in this, in that they have a more defensively minded central midfield partnership who will come to the rescue at crucial times. They have proved they are capable of strong results in the past and I believe they could be there or thereabouts again this season.

I think I will have a nibble on them at those odds as think they are most likely English team to be successful in this competition this season.