GROUP A
Barcelona
Inter
Leverkusen
Newcastle
Two previous winners - Inter (x2) and Barca (x1). Barca benefited from a ridiculously easy first phase group and this isn't too bad either. Inter will finish
top. They've got too much firepower and too much hunger to blow an opportunity like this and came through from a tough first phase group. Second place is up
for grabs. Leverkusen will capitalise if Barca slip-up. Newcastle's only hope is if they manage to keep the injury prone Dyer and Bellamy fit.
Qualifiers : Inter, Barcelona
GROUP B
Valencia
Arsenal
Roma
Ajax
Ajax (x4) are the only former winners in this group. Valencia will be clear favourites. Arsenal are overly dependent on Bergkamp, if he doesn't play away
from home they will have problems. Roma could be spoilers here. They are very good at stifling opponents but have struggled to score goals. Some Totti
magic may upset Arsenal and Valencia.
Qualifiers : Valencia, Arsenal
GROUP C
Real Madrid
Milan
Dortmund
Lokomotiv Moscow
Three formers champions, Real (x9), Milan (x5), Dortmund (x1). Real Madrid have been lethargic both in this competition and domestically. Milan made a
spectacular start in the phase one group of death but have struggled in recent weeks. Milan will storm this group if they maintain the form they showed in
phase one if not Real will top the group leaving Milan and Dortmund battling for second place.
Qualifiers : Milan, Real Madrid
GROUP D
Manchester United
Juventus
Deportivo
Basle
Two former champions Man United (x2) and Juventus (x1). Man United have been poor domestically but spectacular in Europe despite a glut of injuries.
Juve are terrible away from home and overly dependant on Nedved. Depor have mastered the art of looking like the best team in Europe one week and
playing like garbage the next. I expect this to be the most keenly contested group.
Qualifiers : Man United, Deportivo