The 2007-08 UEFA Champions League draw throws up some very interesting ties that should keep people talking until match-day six in early December.

In Group A we see the return of Marseille - but it's hard to look past Rafa Benitez's Liverpool as the likely winners of this group. It could be a tough fight for second place, but I think Porto's experience will pull them through and leave Besiktas and Marseille to fight for the UEFA Cup place.

Chelsea were a top seed for the first time and therefore avoided the European big guns in their group. But they have found Valencia and FC Schalke to fight it out. Although last season's matches between Valencia and Jose Mourinho's boys were very tight, the Stamford Bridge outfit have strengthened their side and should finish top this time. I think Valencia will come a close second with Schalke third. Interestingly, Rosenborg are nearly always in the competition but they never seem to get better and should anchor this group come December.

'The new-look Real Madrid will remember that last season they were knocked out of the competition by a German team and therefore will need to give Werder Bremen respect'


The new-look  Real Madrid were knocked out of the competition by a German team last season and therefore will need to give Werder Bremen respect. This group looks like a straightforward fight between Bremen and Real for top spot with Lazio and Olympiakos having their own battle to see who still plays European football in the New Year.

Defending champions AC Milan find themselves in a very tough group where one of Celtic, Benfica and Shakhtar Donetsk could easily make it to the next stage. I don't think there is any doubt that Carlo Ancelotti's team will come out of this group but its hard to tell who will join them. Celtic will be hoping their home form will be helped by a better showing on their travels, but Benfica and Shakhtar are equally good teams. Only two years ago, Benfica knocked out Manchester United but last season they finished below Celtic in their group and will be hoping to do better under Jose Antonio Camacho .

Barcelona should rule supreme in Group E with Lyon taking second, leaving Stuttgart and Rangers fighting to avoid bottom place. I will be surprised if there is an upset in this group because both Barca and Lyon are very experienced in this competition. My only concern would be that Lyon haven't begun their domestic season well and if that continues then Stuttgart might well finish second