Though Chelsea and FC Porto both got a bit screwed by the new Champions League seeding system -- both would have been in Pot 1 under the old rules -- the draw turned out OK for both of them. They won’t be thrilled at having to play each other, but they’re the favorites to go through as the top two sides in a pretty easy Group G.
Champions League draw results 2015: Chelsea should win Group G easily
FC Porto are a good side, but Chelsea will expect to top their Champions League group.
Dynamo Kiev are a decent enough team, but certainly not as talented as Porto. Maccabi Tel-Aviv, meanwhile, are firmly in the “just happy to be here” camp.
Group winners: Chelsea
They’re already favorites to win the group, and they’re probably going to make a couple of marquee signings between the draw and the end of the transfer window. Even if they don’t, the likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas still give them one of the best attacks in Europe. Thibaut Courtois and Nemanja Matic are also among the best two or three players in the world at their positions. Anything less than a semifinal appearance will be a major disappointment for the Blues.
Runners-up: FC Porto
Alex Sandro, Danilo and Jackson Martinez leaving are huge blows for Porto. Their business model depends on these sales, and they always find a way to retool, but it’s probably going to hurt them in the short term. Giannelli Imbula was a great pickup, though, and they’re boosted by a combination of returning loanees, free transfers and developing young players. They’ve probably done enough to protect their top-two spot.
Europa League: Dynamo Kiev
Jermain Lens has already left, while Andriy Yarmolenko is expected to follow him out the door before the end of the transfer window. That’ll leave Dynamo Kiev very thin on the wings, and it should keep them from challenging Porto for second place. However, Derlis González, who they signed from FC Basel, could be an excellent pickup.
Out of Europe: Maccabi Tel-Aviv
They have two guys named Tal Ben Haim. The older one, who used to play defense for Chelsea, is called Tal Ben Haim I. The younger one, who plays striker, is called Tal Ben Haim II. This is the coolest thing about Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
Player to watch: Iker Casillas
Just for the comedy, mostly.
Key match: Porto vs. Chelsea - Matchday 4
The two big sides don’t meet until the fourth match of the group stage, and a Porto win could lead to everyone busting out their best CHELSEA IN CRISIS headlines.
See More:
