The Champions League draw was really interesting, and as every year there are some groups which are stronger than others. 

Outright Winners

I certainly think Liverpool’s group is really difficult with Atletico Madrid and AC Milan, who both finished in high positions in their respective leagues. They’ll pose some questions. Atletico Madrid is a bit of a bogey team for Liverpool; they knocked them out of the Champions League last season. AC Milan are on the up; they finished second in Serie A, they’ll both pose big problems for Liverpool, but I’m certain Liverpool should have enough to get out of the group. 

Manchester United got an easy group, while Manchester City go up against Paris Saint-Germain – fantastic game. 

I think if you’re looking for teams to make it into the knockout stages and go quite far in the competition, you’ve got to consider Manchester City. Pep Guardiola is desperate to claim that elusive Champions League before he leaves Manchester City in a couple of seasons. He’ll put up a tough fight. 

Obviously, Liverpool have got the bit between their teeth with everyone fit again. So they’ll be there or thereabouts – I’m sure. 

Manchester United, with the quality they’ve brought in and the experience of Cristiano Ronaldo in this competition will prove vital. Getting out of their group shouldn’t be a problem.

For years and years, Paris Saint-Germain have been desperate for it; they’ve even got to a final. I think that with the players they’ve brought in, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georginio Wijnaldum, Sergio Ramos, and of course, Lionel Messi, they’ll make a real challenge of it this season. It looks like a real optimistic approach for them. 

I can’t see past Paris Saint-Germain for the Champions League.  

• Paris Saint-Germain are at 33/10 (4.30) to win the Champions League. 
• Liverpool are at 9/1 (10.00) to win the Champions League. 
• Manchester City are at 7/2 (4.50) to win the Champions League. 
• Manchester United are at 9/1 (10.00) to win the Champions League. 

Picks for the Opening Fixtures

There are some fantastic fixtures that have come courtesy of the groups which have been picked. 

Inter Milan vs Real Madrid 

Two winners of this competition, two giants of the competition – but both clubs not in great situations having to let players go over the summer. They’re both in a little bit of a rebuild in some senses. 

I’m going to call this one as a draw. 

A draw is on offer at 47/20 (3.35). 

Bayern Munich vs Barcelona

Bayern Munich are a very, very strong team. They’ll be there or thereabouts come the end of the season in this competition. Losing Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezmann has left Barcelona in a bit of a mess, and I don’t know how much of a problem they’ll pose in this competition. 

I can’t see past a Bayern Munich win. 

• Bayern Munich are at 11/10 (2.10) to win. 

AC Milan vs Liverpool

A very glamorous fixture. A repeat of 2005 and 2007. 

AC Milan are on the up. New investments and new players which have been brought in, along with a manager with great ideas. They finished second in Serie A last season. 

A rejuvenated Liverpool team who have a very strong squad going into this competition, and we know they have a great history as well. 

I’m going to go… a tough one to call… Liverpool to nick it. Liverpool win. 

• Liverpool are at 1/2 (1.50) to win. 

Jason McAteer Special

• Bayern Munich to win, Liverpool to win and Inter Milan vs Real Madrid to draw on at 10/1 (11.00). 

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 *Odds subject to change. Odds correct at time of publishing.