Champions League Group E preview
Group E
The runner-up in last year's competition, Bayern Munich, received a light draw with Italian side Roma. Joining the two giants will be Basel of Switzerland and CRF Cluj of Romania.
Bayern Munich
Outlook: A surprise finalist a year ago, the German side will look to make it back to the final in this year's edition. With a strong back line led by Phillip Lahm, Bayern should be solid on defence. On offence, there are numerous play-makers who will lead them deep into the tournament.
Frank Ribery and Bastian Schweinsteiger lead the attack in the midfield as Arjen Robben looks to return from injury. Mark van Bommel and World Cup sensation Thomas Muller will aid in attack. Up top will be scoring machine Ivica Olic. Bayern did not make any significant moves in the off-season, but they did not need to. This club has what it takes to win it all.
Most important player: Arjen Robben
Key Newcomer: None
Player to be missed: None
Roma
Outlook: Claudio Ranieri's club finished second last season in the Italian league. This season, they will make a run at the title in both domestic and European play. Roma made some significant signings over the summer to strengthen their squad. They are led by scoring machine Francesco Totti and midfield dominator Daniele De Rossi. Roma brought in Brazilian striker Adriano, who had many glorious days at Parma and Inter Milan, after his brief stint with Brazilian club Flamengo.
Roma also brought back defender Nicolas Burdisso, while signing his brother, Guillermo, from Rosario Central. But the club did not stop there, bringing in AC Milan goal scorer Marco Boriello. Roma is ready for a big season, and with the talent on this squad, a great year looks likely.
Most important player: Totti
Key Newcomer: Adriano Leite Ribeiro (Flamengo)
Player to be missed: None
Basel
Outlook: The Swiss league champs have no problem scoring goals in their league. They finished scoring 90 goals in 36 league games last season. They will need to score on Bayern and Roma if they have any hope of advancing. Swiss star Marco Streller will lead Basel into the competition. He finished with 21 goals last season, finishing second in the league. Basel brought in Gilles Yapi from Young Boys to solidify the defensive midfielder role. The club reached the second round of the competition only once, in 2002. They will need a giant to slip in order for it to happen again.
Most important player: Streller
Key Newcomer: Gilles Yapi (Young Boys)
Player to be missed: None
CRF Cluj
Outlook: The champions of Romania face a difficult battle to even secure third place. Cluj has some quality players from Portugal, Argentina and Brazil, but can they all coexist in Europe?
Even though they did win their league, Cluj had a tough time scoring. In 34 games, they only managed 46 goals. Cristian Bud led the way with ten of them. Cluj will need to find the net more if they want to continue their European journey. Cluj desperately needs FC Porto player Tomas Costa to perform in the midfield and provide Bud with quality chances. Costa is on a one-year loan stint with the club. We will see if his impact can lead Cluj into the second round.
Most important player: Bud
Key Newcomer: Costa (FC Porto)
Player to be missed: None
Prediction: The big boys, Roma and Bayern, beat up on the European minnows. Each advance easily. Basel gets by Cluj for third place.
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