Champions League Winners and Losers

Europe's premier club competition sits teasingly on the horizon, so much so that even the draw is a noteworthy affair. The continent's finest and invariably richest (sorry Man city, you aren't quite there yet) will meet over the next few months to determine who makes the business end of the tournament, you know, when the games actually mean something.

The shake up to this year's qualifying system has seen a number of new clubs make the group stage which, long term, is probably a positive thing however, for this season's version, the big clubs should continue to be fairly untroubled in their saunter to the knockout phase. Last year, none of the elite sides went out before Christmas and only Internazionale troubled unduly. It's been 4 years since an English team fell at the oncoming hurdle; Manchester United were abject in losing 2 of their last 3 games and only beat Benfica at home.

So who will be happiest with Thursday's draw?

The Winners:

Wolfsburg - The German champions were fourth seeds and could have met a number of Europe's most experienced sides in the group stage. As it is, they face Man United, CSKA Moscow and Besiktas and, although they will face tough trips to Russia and Turkey, should have the quality (although maybe not the nouse) to progress.

AC Milan - After a year in the ignominy of the UEFA Cup, now consigned to Cup Winners Cup past, the Italian giants are back amongst European royalty and have the group to prove it; Real Madrid, Marseille and FC Zurich will provide the glitz and glamour that Berlusconi craves.

Samuel Etoo - The other half of the Zlatan Ibrahimovic deal and consistent scorer at this level, Etoo will have the chance to show the Barca faithful what they have been missing. Considering the hefty price tag, there is little that the Swede can offer over the two fixtures to do the same.

Jose Mourinho - More press? A return to Barca? Some random accusations? Bring it on...

Rangers - When they make the group stage, which has been problematic over the last few years, the Scottish champs have performed well and will hope to make the second round for the first time since the 05/06 campaign. They have met Stuttgart twice previously in the Champions League and, on both occasions, won at home and lost away. Other opponents Sevilla and Romanian Liga 1 winners Unirea Urziceni are both beatable.

Arsenal - Great great group. Whatever the say.

The Losers:

Fiorentina - Watch them finish third. Just watch.

Atletico Madrid - Group adversaries Chelsea and Porto are regular qualifiers to the knockout phase. APOEL Nicosia won't be a push over either having dispatched well-funded Danish champions FC Copenhagen in qualifying.

Manchester United - In what could be an uncertain season for the Reds, well seasoned challengers CSKA Moscow and Besiktas, as well as German upstarts Wolfsburg could test their resolve.

Kaka - He may well end up a winner of Real sweep the pair of games with former employers Milan but, for now, he must hold some trepidation in returning to the club he 'loves.'

Sporting Lisbon/Celtic/Aston Villa etc... - This is where you could have been.

The Fans - Early season posturing aside, how much joy can you take from these games?