Champions League: Sky Bet verdict

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Richard Evison: With the history Liverpool have in this competition many of their fans will be believing they can go all the way. The Reds should be strong enough to get through their group though coming top in recent years has proved a huge advantage given the draw you can get in the second round. I think they can beat Real Madrid at home in the group stage given the atmosphere that will be created so topping the group at 11/4 is not out of the question. I suspect the season may catch up with them as things intensify towards the end of the season so 7/2 for Liverpool to go out in the quarter finals in our stage of elimination market looks a fair shout.

Jess Gill: I think Liverpool will get out of their group comfortably but I think thats where their Champions League return will come to an end. Since theyre in a group with Real Madrid its quite likely theyll finish second which means theyll have to face a tough team in the next round and I dont think they have what it takes to beat one of the top European Sides. I think Liverpool stage Of elimination in the last 16 at 5/4 could be a good bet.

Simon Thompson: After a number of years not involved in the competition Anfield will be ready for the return of big European nights, and the atmosphere will be as electric as ever. Liverpool fans should see their team negotiate the group stage, though their defence may struggle against Real Madrids front line so winning the group will probably be a little beyond them. This will leave them open to another big name in the second round where they will likely end their journey this season as the increase in fixtures begins to catch up.

RE: It seems to be the same old story every season with Arsenal in this competition. They have a good habit of going through their group fairly comfortably only to be found wanting at the last 16 or quarter-final stage. I would like to say I could see this changing but I fear Arsene Wengers refusal to change tactics and mix things up a little will cost them against the better teams once again.

JG: Arsenal have clearly improved their squad on previous years and I think it will show in the Champions League this season. I think they have a team that suits cup competitions much more than the league campaign so I dont think many teams will want to meet Arsenal in the knock-out stages. They lack consistency but I think theyll show this season that on their day they can match most of the top sides in the Champions League. I wouldnt be massively surprised to see them maybe make it all the way to the semi-finals.

ST: Id like to say yes. Theyve been eliminated by Bayern Munich twice in recent seasons and both times can argue they could have qualified instead but for a bit more luck. With the additions of Sanchez and Welbeck this may give the extra cutting edge up front that can take them further, but unfortunately not all the way to the final. Id be backing them at 8/1 to be eliminated in the semi-final.

RE: Things never seem to be easy in this competition for Manchester City and Manuel Pellegrini must have been cursing his luck when the group draw was made once again. However I am not sure Bayern are the force they once were and Manchester City with their firepower should go there with no fear. I like the 2/1 on City to top this group though Ashely Coles Roma cannot be discounted either. I think City will focus on this competition this season and if Yaya Toure is focused anything is possible. If you take the 14/1 on them to win the competition I am sure you will get a good run for your money.

JG: Its a tough group again for City this season, however if they came back from Munich with a draw, it would put them in a good position for the rest of the group games. I think theyll have enough to get out the group but theyre likely to have a tough last 16 tie against another big side where I think theyll really struggle as they did against Barcelona last season. They have a really good side but still dont seem to look comfortable in the Champions League and I havent seen anything that could change that this season.

ST: City fans will be cursing the draw for putting them with Bayern again but they should be too strong for the Germans. With strong defensive additions to the squad, Yaya Toure, unstoppable on his day, will have more attacking freedom and Sergio Agueros goals will be key in winning the group. In doing so this should ensure they avoid the likes of Barcelona in the last 16 and give them a real opportunity of going far.

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Champions League: Sky Bet verdict