By:Jens
2009-10-14

Group H

1.    Arsenal

Arsène Wenger’s new Arsenal have so far not been as successful as the old version with Henry, Ljungberg and Bergkamp who finished as runner-ups in the Champions League 2006. Arsenal without Touré and Adebayor have enjoyed a good start of the league but the lack of experience and cynicism still haunts them in the big games, such as the ones in the Champions League. Still, Arsenal have increased their level of European experience every year and are with no doubt the strongest team in the group. After efficiently sending off Celtic in the qualifying round the draw was kind to Arsenal who won’t have any problems to progress.

Selection of recent/notable European results: Champions League SF 2008-2009
Champions League runner-ups 2005-2006

Main ins: Thomas Vermaelen (Ajax)

Main outs: Kolo Touré (Manchester City), Emmanuel Adebayor (Manchester City)

2.    Olympiacos

Olympiacos returns to the group stages in Champions League after being beaten by Anorthosis in last year’s qualifying round. In May this year the same manager who sent Olympiacos off last year, Georgian Temuri Ketsbaia was appointed as new manager for the Greek side. The Olympiacos officials definitely wants to see Olympiacos qualify to the knock-out round as they did two years ago when away wins to both Lazio and Werder Bremen granted them a place in the knock-out round. Three straight victories in the Greek Super League ensures that this is a capable squad and should be able to progress from group given they can handle the Dutch youngsters from Alkmaar.

Selection of recent/notable european results:    Champions League R16 2007-08
UEFA Cup R32 2008-09

Main ins: Matt Derbyshire (Blackburn Rovers), Olof Mellberg (Juventus), Enzo Maresca (Sevilla)

Main outs: Fernando Belluschi (Porto), Predrag Djordjevic (retired), Patsa (Nicosia)

3.    AZ Alkmaar

The Dutch champions are fresh in this competition but has a young a talented squad which can cause major problems for the group opponents. Ronald Koeman assumed responsibility of the Dutch squad this summer and has yet to prove his potential after the failure as Valencia manager. So far AZ Alkmaar have opened the league strongly and are leading with 12 points after 5 games. AZ Alkmaar also managed to sign Everton and Bayer Leverkusen target Rasmus Elm who has entered the Swedish national team showing good qualities. The young Dutch squad should be able to win over neighbours Standard Liege but will face tough games against classy Arsenal and experienced Olympiacos.

Selection of recent/notable European results:    UEFA Cup group stage 2008-2009
UEFA Cup quarter-final 2007-2008

Main ins: Rasmus Elm (Kalmar), Pontus Wernbloom (Gothenburg), Ragnar Klavan (Herakles)

Main outs: Demy de Zeeuw (Ajax), Simon Cziommer (Red Bull Salzburg)

4.    Standard Liège

The two times in a row Belgian champion made a mark in last year’s Champions League qualification when they surprisingly forced Liverpool to extra time after two goalless games. They lost that time after Dirk Kuyt scoring with two minutes remaining. This year they entered directly after UEFA changing the tournament structure. Standard are a talented squad but lack recent Champions League experience. Experienced coach László Bölöni’s main objective will probably be to reach the third place in the group in order to qualify for the Europa league and the local encounters with AZ Alkmaar will be decisive.

Selection of recent/notable European results: UEFA Cup R32 2008-09

Main ins: Victor Ramos (EC Vitoria), Felipe (Coritiba), Ricardo Rocha (no club)

Main outs: Oguchi Onyewu (Milan), Rorys Aragón (Diyarbakirspor)