Champions League Group B preview and prediction
Group B
One of the most interesting groups, Group B is open for the taking. French power Lyon, Portuguese side Benfica, German club Schalke 04 and Israel's Hapoel Tel-Aviv form the second group in the Champions League.
Lyon
Outlook: Few teams have demonstrated the consistency of Lyon in the Champions League. Always a threat, Les Gones reached the semifinals of last year's edition where they lost to Bayern Munich. Currently possessing some of the world's most talented players such as Hugo Lloris, Michel Bastos, Lisandro Lopez and Jeremy Toulalan, OL is the clear favorite in the group. Lyon finished second in the French league last season, mostly due to the squad primarily focusing on Champions League football. For this squad, rich in play-making ability, anything short of a spot in the semi-finals would be a complete failure.
Most important player: Toulalan
Key Newcomer: Yoann Gourcuff (Bourdeaux)
Player to be missed: None
Benfica
Outlook: Last year's Portuguese league champions, Benfica return with most of their squad as they look to make a run in the most prestigious European club competition. The Lisbon side will go head-to-head with Schalke for the second spot in the group. Benfica still has the sensational Argentine Pablo Aimar in the midfield, along with fellow countrymen Javier Saviola, Nicolas Gaitan and Eduaro Salvio (on loan from Atletico Madrid) up top. Losing Angel di Maria will hurt, but if the Argentines can play up to their potential, Benfica could surprise some. Benfica's defense should be a strong point also, as they were able to hold on to David Luiz, a name that drew the interest from Europe's top clubs. Benfica will go only as far as their stars take them.
Most important player: Pablo Aimar
Key Newcomer: Nicolas Gaitan (Boca Juniors)
Player to be missed: Angel di Maria (Real Madrid)
Schalke 04
Outlook: Not many teams have bolstered their squad as much as the German side has this summer. Sure, Manchester City, Real Madrid, AC Milan, and Barcelona all went on shopping sprees, but Schalke has made several low-key signings that could lead them to a trophy in 2010-11. Finishing second in the German league minus their new additions last year, the side will certainly fight for the title in Germany, but their eyes will be on Champions League glory. The defense should be strong as they brought in Christoph Metzelder on a free transfer, ending his Real Madrid nightmare. Germany's no. 1 goalie will be between the posts for Schalke, as Manuel Neuer returns. Schalke's strongest position is up top. They are loaded will scoring talent. Peruvian Jefferson Farfan is joined by Raul and Klaas Jan Huntelaar, two new signings. These new players will go a long way in determining the success of the squad. If they can take points from Benfica, Schalke should make it to the round of 16.
Most important player: Jefferson Farfan
Key Newcomer: Raul (Real Madrid)
Player to be missed: None
Hapoel Tel Aviv
Outlook: The Israeli league champions will make their first appearance in the group stage this season. The minnows have only four foreign-based players on their squad, but one of them is the team's best and most essential. Nigerian Vincent Enyeama plays goalkeeper for Hapoel Tel Aviv. Many may remember him from his outstanding performance at the 2010 World Cup with Nigeria. Enyeama, who has spent the last five years playing in Israel, denied Argentine on six occasions, making breath-taking stops on each occasion. Enyeama stoned Lionel Messi on four occasions in the 1-0 defeat to the South Americans. He is the leader of the squad. For Hapoel to progress, the team will need produce consistent attacks. They managed a staggering 87 goals in 35 league games last season. Three players scored over ten goals for them last season. Itay Shechter led the way with 22.
Most important player: Enyeama
Key Newcomer: Bevan Fransman (Maccabi Netanya)
Player to be missed: None
Prediction: Lyon wins the group, but experience a battle with Schalke and Benfica. An aging Pablo Aimar and an ineffective Javier Saviola won't get the job done for the Portuguese club. Schalke, with Raul and Huntelaar up top, will secure their spot in the knockout stage by taking four points from Benfica.
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