UCL Predictions: Groups C and D

The Champions League continues with more midweek games on Wednesday as the best of Europe face off once again in this season’s UCL. With four groups wrapped up, it’s time to turn our attention to the other groups.

Also read: UCL Predictions: Group G and H

GROUP C

Bayern Munich, Barcelona, Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen

Bayern have stuttered in their post-Lewandowski era, currently sitting 3rd, drawing the last two games in the Bundesliga. Nagelsmann has tried to implement a more dynamic attack. The team has improved in midfield and defence through key signings like Gravenberch and de Ligt. In spite of their hiccups in the league, it’ll be a huge surprise not to see them top the group. They haven’t lost any of their last 28 UCL group games, and this time it’ll likely be no different.

Barcelona have come leaps and bounds over the past two months. The board has sold everything they can to back Xavi with a squad good enough to win titles, and now the pressure will be on the former Barca captain to deliver. Lewandowski has shown his class with volleys and back heel goals and has maintained this goalscoring record from Germany. The club has strengthened in virtually every position on the field and will give Bayern a run for their money.

Inter Milan has made a few notable additions to their squad, the biggest being the return of Romelu Lukaku. It’ll be great to see Lukaku and Lautaro link up once again and bring back their magic. It hasn’t been the most incredible start to the season; having already lost two games, they’ll be looking to bounce back in the UCL; they face Bayern first, a stern test.

Viktoria Plzen went through three rounds of qualification only to be drawn into the group of death. It’ll be an excellent experience for the players getting to play against some of the best players in the world in some of the best stadiums. It’ll be admirable if they scrape a draw or two, but beyond that, nothing more.

Final Predictions:

1. Bayern Munich

2. Barcelona

3. Inter Milan

4. Viktoria Plzen

GROUP D

Eintracht Frankfurt, Tottenham Hotspur, Sporting Lisbon and Marseille

Probably the most evenly matched group out of them all.

Eintracht Frankfurt come in as the reigning Europa League champions. Gotze’s signing and his immediate impact have to be their highlight of the season so far. Although they are sitting currently in 10th, they are only 3 points off the top 4. They just came off a huge 4-0 win over RB Leipzig. Their approach to their UCL games could be interesting and

Tottenham are probably the favourites to win this group. Under Conte, Spurs have shed their “Spursy” image of bottling it when push comes to shove and have become a team with a solid defence and formidable attack who’ll put opponents to the sword if given a chance. They have not shied away from spending in the market, most significantly signing Richarlison. This is where we’ll see if Spurs have what it takes to become an elite club.

Sporting Lisbon have not had the greatest of seasons thus far, picking up only 7 points from their first five games. Losing Palhinha and Matheus Nunes has certainly weakened the squad, and getting out of this group will be an uphill battle. They have a leaky backline and lack the attacking flair that will be needed to get out of this group.

Marseille have a history of imploding under pressure, but the attacking wingback and solid back 3 give the French club a great foundation to build off of. Payet and Sanchez’s performances will be essential for the French side as Todor certainly has the quality in his team to see them progress. They are also off to a great start, level on points with leaders PSG in Ligue 1. Whether they can make it out of their group remains to be seen, but they certainly won’t be pushovers.

Final Predictions:

1. Tottenham Hotspur

2. Marseille

3. Eintracht Frankfurt

4. Sporting Lisbon

Also read: UCL Predictions: Group E and F