Champions League Group H preview
Group H
English club Arsenal is joined by Shakhtar Donetsk of the Ukraine, Braga of Portugal and Partizan of Serbia.
Arsenal
Outlook: The Gunners received maybe the easiest draw in the Champions League. Not one of these teams worry Arsenal. The one concern will be the injuries. Theo Walcott will be out for more than a month, but Arsenal made one move in the off-season that may prove to be the world's best signing. Marouane Chamakh went to England after seven brilliant years in France with Bordeaux. Chamakh and Robin Van Persie, along with Cesc Fabregas in the middle, will prove too much for any other team in the group to handle. Arsenal's pass to the next round should be clinched after four games. The one concern for Arsenal will be in goal with Manuel Almunia, an inconsistent player who has yet to live up to the hype.
Most important player: Robin van Persie
Key Newcomer: Marouane Chamakh (Bordeaux)
Player to be missed: none
Shakhtar Donetsk
Outlook: One of the Ukraine's most popular teams, Shakhtar only lost one of their 30 league games, winning the league by six points. The leader of the team is Luiz Adriano as the Brazilian forward has 21 goals in 57 games. He is a clinical finisher who can make teams pay. The team also has several other Brazilian players such as Fernandinho and Jadson, both players that are capable of finding the net. Shakhtar, thanks to the poor quality of the group, have as good a chance as Braga and Partizan to make it to round two.
Most important player: Luiz Adriano
Key Newcomer: Douglas Costa (Gremio)
Player to be missed: None
Braga
Outlook: Many football fans are surprised to see Braga in the group stage. Many wonder how they were able to get by Sevilla in qualifying. Now that they dominated the Spanish club, all eyes will be on Braga and their form. Albert Meyong, the Cameroon international, will be their most important player. Meyong has scored 20 goals in 50 games for Braga, leading the team. George Lucas was brought in from Santos to run the defence and Artur Moraes came in from Roma to rule the goal. Braga shocked the world by beating a strong Sevilla side, so there is no reason they can't make it to the next round and shock us once again.
Most important player: Albert Meyong
Key Newcomer: Artur Moraes (Roma)
Player to be missed: None
Partizan
Outlook: What Partizan did last season in Serbia, even in a lesser league, is mind-blowing. The dangerous, attacking side won 24 games and drew six, losing none. They won the league by seven points, with a goal differential of 49. Brazilian striker Cleo led the team with 14 goals and will be counted one to do it again. In a surprise move, Partizan sent Lamine Diarra to Al-Shabab on loan. Diarra finished last season with 14 goals and was supposed to be a key component for this season.
Most important player: Cleo
Key Newcomer: Mohamed Kamara (HJK Helsinki)
amine Diarra (Al-Shabab)
Prediction: Arsenal advance with no trouble. Joining them will be Braga of Portugal. Partizan wins third, and Shakhtar exits early.
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