Francesco Totti - Il Gladiatore di Roma

fzemdegs: Rhodes is just too damn good

Jack: Bloody Ljajic, so eager to score he forgot which net we were attacking

2014-07-27 14:03#186639 pompeyblue :

2014-07-27 13:41#186638 Neal : You could say we're on the Rhodes to victory

Get out

I was going to make that joke:))

ollyewest: Or maybe, "the grass is always Grenier in Rome"

2014-07-28 20:48#186952 Neal : ollyewest: Or maybe, "the grass is always Grenier in Rome"

Please do us a favour and never become a journalist

Today the UEFA Champions League group stage draw was completed, and fans of the defending Italian champions will be licking their licks at the prospect of a relatively straightforward Group E. AS Roma were drawn alongside Belarusian giants BATE Borisov, La Liga club Valencia CF, and Schalke 04 from the German Bundesliga.

BATE Borisov will surely be the beating block of the group. Every year consecutively since 2006, BATE have stormed their way to the Belarusian top division league title and thus have played quite often in the Champions League. However, they simply do not have the funds nor the quality of Europe's elite, and will likely not even pick up a point.

Schalke will undoubtedly be the Giallorossi's biggest challenger for top spot in the group. Lucien Favre's men are led by German internationals Benedikt Howedes and their young trio of Maximilian Meyer, Julian Draxler, and Leon Goretzka, and will by no means be pushovers. In fact, some people are tipping Die Konigsblauen to beat Roma and take first place.

They won't be doing that, though, at least if a certain Francesco Totti has anything to say about it. The AS Roma legend has enjoyed a scintillating first few seasons in charge of his hometown club and, buoyed by the signings of the likes of Samuel Umtiti and Andrea Bertolacci, he will certainly be hoping his side can finish top and avoid the likes of FC Barcelona in the first knockout round like last season.

Spanish side Valencia are quietly confident of their chances as well, though. Led by ex-AS Roma manager Luciano Spalleti, Los Che are renowned for their passing football and are, in fact, the club to have reached the most Champions League finals in their history; 2. Both times, in 2000 and 2001, the side then under the control of Rafa Benitez finished runners up, but now Valencia will be hoping to change their luck.

Our own predictions for the group were difficult to make, but we think the two-time defending Scudetto champions AS Roma will take top spot with Schalke 04 close behind in second. Valencia will have to settle for a place in the Europa League, while BATE Borisov, as usual, will be flying back to Belarus.

Quick Links
Last Update
Next Update

Well, that is a pretty easy group!
I expect maximum points

No group is that easy right?

Quite easy group, but don't underestimate Schalke and Valencia, they can be great teams! Good luck

Pretty easy group, but don't get complacent, Schalke and Valencia can turn it up

pompeyblue: Maybe I'll draw once if I feel bad

Josh_MU: This one is

ASR-PSV: I don't think I'm underestimating them, I just know our side is better

pokarioboy: They play good football but I'm certain we can beat them

BATE to win the group! Come on Belarus!

Don't underestimate Valencia or Schalke, but I'm sure you'll progress!

I think you'll win the Champions League, so disappoint please Nala!

TheMS99: Now that would be shocking

Walter: Very original comment...but thanks

AaronHJFT96: Sorry, but I never disappoint

2014-07-28 16:15#186959 Justice :

2014-07-28 20:48#186952 Neal : ollyewest: Or maybe, "the grass is always Grenier in Rome"

Please do us a favour and never become a journalist

Why, are my puns not doing these players Justice?