Ben Shephard Champions League Predictions

Shephard's Ones to Watch

Ben Shephard has presented of Sky Sports' UEFA Champions League coverage in the UK since 2010, as well as the channel's ever-popular Goals on Sunday show. Speaking to Andy Greeves, the West Ham-supporting presenter offers Soccerphile his views on some of the favourites for this season's premier European club competition.

Bayern Munich

The obvious place to start is with the current trophy holders, Bayern Munich. They looked imperious in their victory against Manchester City and have such a strong squad from back to front, that has only actually got stronger since winning the competition last season. They are full of match winners in players like Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller.

Real Madrid

Real Madrid are always strong and of course they are fighting for that tenth European Cup crown, which will be a big incentive for them. Ronaldo is so prolific right now and it's hard to know how to stop him. He's already got eight goals in the Champions League this season, which is incredible. Elsewhere, they are a team of world stars. Gareth Bale has settled in very nicely, scoring a really good goal away at Juventus recently.

Chelsea

I really think Chelsea have a chance of doing very well in the competition. Jose Mourinho has turned them a lot more into a team unit this season and tightened them up at the back, which was needed. If they can get the settled line-up up front, then they are always going to be there or thereabouts. (Samuel) Eto'o has looked capable of getting goals and (Fernando) Torres is looking very hungry this season. The trio just behind them of Oscar, Eden Hazard and usually Juan Mata are as good as any attacking midfield trio there is.

Manchester City

Manchester City's big achievement is finally getting that albatross of their back and making it through to the knockout phases of the competition with a few games to spare. Anything is possible for them now. Their away form in the UEFA Champions League has been something they've struggled for in the past and maybe people could argue they need more experience of the competition before being considered contenders. But you have to look at the team they can field, they have to be a consideration for that reason.

Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Arsenal

Arsenal have been very good in their group phase, as they usually are in this competition and their league form gives them big hope in the UEFA Champions League. Aaron Ramsey's form, coupled by the inspired signing of Mesut Ozil make them an attractive team to watch and one that can challenge for honours this season.

Barcelona

(Lionel) Messi's injury is a big blow to Barcelona, especially in La Liga, but as far as the UEFA Champions League, Messi should be back in time for the knockout phases. With Barcelona already qualified for the next round and it maybe looking like their best chance of silverware, they have the class to win it without doubt.

Paris Saint-Germain

Paris Saint-Germain are an interesting team for me. With their spending power, you never know who will be brought in January. Of course, they have to do their talking on the pitch and perform at the knockout phases, which they've struggled to do in the past.

Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund have a bit of a race on their hands to get out of Group F, with Arsenal and Napoli in the top two currently. Their manager Jurgen Klopp is an absolute genius though and if they can get through to the knockout stages, who is to rule out another run to the final for them like they did last season.

Juventus

Juventus have a very big task to get out of their group too. I covered their home game with Real Madrid recently, which they drew 2-2. They do at least have fate in their own hands if they can beat Galatasaray and Copenhagen in their last two games, but going away to Galatasaray to get a result on the final group matchday will be very difficult.

Atletico Madrid

One of the teams people won't be giving too much attention to are Atletico Madrid, but quietly and confidently, they are going about their business and looking capable of something big. They have been brilliant in La Liga and they are also one of only two clubs (the other being Bayern Munich) to have won every game in their UEFA Champions League group this season. Radamel Falco's loss (to Monaco) hasn't been felt anywhere near as much as people would have thought and with players like Diego Costa and, of course, David Villa, they look very good.