The Champions League

from: oleolefootball.com

The Champions League is arguably the most valued cup competition in world football today; quite often thrilling battles, tremendous amounts of skill and a few shocks along the way are seen as Europe's elite (and not so elite) try to show what they are capable of against the cream of the crop. The Champions League allows the top teams from the best leagues in the world (the Premiership, La Liga and Serie A) to face off against each other home and away, whilst also allowing those from lesser leagues to put themselves in the spotlight

Last season the Champions League was won by Serie A side AC Milan; they were lucky to be allowed into it after having points deducted due to the match fixing scandal. AC Milan went on to eventually lift the trophy at the end of the campaign despite struggling in the league, mainly due to the exploits of Brazilian talisman Kaka and their solid defense. Milan got revenge over a Liverpool side in the final, winning 2-0 against the team that had beaten them on penalties. Barcelona, winners the year before failed to impress, while Arsenal stuttered through the tournament before eventually being knocked out by PSV Eindhoven.

This year, there are quite a few sides capable of winning it. Although Liverpool have started poorly (drawing against Porto and then losing to Marseille at Anfield) they should still manage to qualify, as any team with Steven Gerrard in it should do. Out of the English sides, Arsenal have started well, beating Sevilla 3-0 and then Steaua Bucharesti away 2-0; Chelsea followed up a draw against Rosenborg with a promising victory over Valencia away from home. As for Manchester United, the Red Devils beat Sporting Lisbon in the first round with ex-Sporting player Cristiano Ronaldo scoring and then sneaked a win against Roma after Wayne Rooney's goal.

It is not just the English sides that are expected to do well; both Spain and Italy have those capable of winning it. Barcelona comfortably sit top of their group with two wins in two games, while Real Madrid, Sevilla and Valencia are all second with the possibility of them taking first place. As for the Italian clubs, Inter Milan suffered a surprise loss to Fenerbahce but should still go through. Roma will advance should they manage to hold off Sporting Lisbon's challenge, and last year's winners AC Milan should progress to the knockout stages despite their loss to Celtic. Lazio are placed third in the 'Group of Death', and will try their hardest to qualify.

Due to Bayern Munich's collapse in last year's Bundesliga they are a notable absence from the Champions League this year, however the likes of Schalke, VFB Stuttgart, Fenerbahce and CSKA Moscow are all capable of getting shock results on their day. One thing is for sure though; this year's Champions League battle is definitely one you do not want to miss, and you can watch all the live football action