2009-10 UEFA Champions League Group E Preview
European Football's Premier Tournament Enters the Group Stage
Sep 14, 2009
UEFA’s 2009-2010 Champions League season is here. The groups have been drawn amongst much fanfare, the matches are set, and the competition to be crowned champions of Europe is ready to begin.
This is a breakdown of the teams in each of the eight groups. Two teams will advance from each group into the quarterfinal knockout stages of the Champions League.
Group E
Olympique Lyonnais (France), Fiorentina (Italy), Liverpool (England), Debrecen (Hungary)
Group E could offer some exciting matches ahead. Liverpool seem to be the clear favorites, but Lyon and Fiorentina both intend to make this group very interesting and competitive. Debrecen could play a spoiler role should any of their group rivals fail to take maximum points against them.
Olympique Lyonnais
Lyon played their part in this summer’s player shopping spree losing prized striker Karim Benzima to Real Madrid, but in turn wooing Porto’s front man Lisandro Lopez to the Ligue 1 side. Lisandro teams with Cesar Delgado and Bafetimbi Gomis in an efficiently organized attack which will be missing Brazilian playmaker Juninho for the first time in years. Manager Claude Puel’s biggest challenge will be finding ways to stop gaps in a questionable defense that now is missing Fabio Grosso after his late summer switch to Juventus. Les Gones hopes of advancing will live and die with their home form and the ability to maintain possession in their offensive half.
ACF Fiorentina
The prolific scoring partnership of Alberto Gilardino and Adrian Mutu put fear into most rivals last season as the two strikers combined for 33 Serie A goals to lead La Viola. They are joined by exciting youngster Stevan Jovetic who will look to increase his scoring prowess and demonstrate his value on the European stage. Cesare Prandelli’s side will be challenged both domestically and in this group and will need to continue to display their tenacious defense to edge out their group rivals to move to the knock-out stages. Liverpool and Lyon will have a hard time gaining points when visiting the Artemio Franchi, so Fiorentina’s chances of advancing could come down to their ability to gain points on foreign soil.
Liverpool F.C.
The Reds are five time champions of Europe and enter this Champions League season as a dark horse favorite. Led by Steven Gerrard, one of the best field generals in Europe, and Spanish striking sensation Fernando Torres, Liverpool should claim Group E without too much problem. Yet if there is one problem that has plagued Rafa Benitez’ side the past few years is their tendency to play down to the level of their opponents. Role players such as Dirk Kuyt, Yossi Benayoun, and Javier Mascherano will figure in how far Liverpool can go in the Champions League and whether another European crown can be brought back to the Anfield faithful.
Debreceni VSC
The Hungarian champions became the first side from their country to make the group stages in 14years after defeating Levski Sofia in the qualifying round play-offs. Unfortunately for the Loki, the fun will end there. Andras Herczeg’s side is outclassed at this stage of the Champions League and claiming points from any of their group rivals will prove to be difficult. To make matters worse, Debrecen will not host their home games at Stadion Olah Gabor Ut since it does not meet UEFA requirements. A look on the bright side, their supporters get to travel to three world class cities during group play.
Prediction
Liverpool should win this group without too many problems. Keeping Gerrard and Torres healthy is key to their success in the knockout stage. Debrecen will not factor in this group at all, leaving the key battle down to Lyon versus Fiorentina. In the end, Lyon may have lost too much over the summer to edge out Fiorentina. La Viola join The Reds in moving onward.
Group E Results:
Match Day One - September 16, 2009
Other Group Previews
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