Last Minute Champions League Picks

And as such, not really thought out, more gut reactions.

Who and Why?
Group A: Liverpool and Porto
- Liverpool and Porto's European experience and good form to start the season coupled with the lack thereof from Besiktas and Marseilles.

Group B: Chelsea and Valencia
- Chelsea's star power overpowers Schalke's lackluster form starting domestic play (1-0-4) to take second place after Valencia takes the group. All teams should be over the moon to have drawn Norwegian champs Rosenborg.

Group C: Real Madrid and Olympiacos
Real Madrid are off to a lfying start domestically. Frankly, I don't feel that great about Werder Bremen or Lazio, it's a pretty lackluster group even with los Meringues, so I'm gonna pick Olimpiacos as my upset special.

Group D: AC Milan and Shakhtar Donetsk
Celtic may sneak in, but the holders are too powerful, and the group is too weak. Benfica has had an average start to the season (2-0-2) and will probably not make the knockout stages. Tuesday's Celtic-Shakhtar game in the Ukraine looms huge and will set the pace for second place behind the Rossoneri. Come on the Celts!

Group E: FC Barcelona and Rangers FC
As much as it pains me, Rangers have been near perfect domestically, and Ibrox is a fortress. I can see them running the table at home, and maybe pipping a few points off Stuttgart and Lyon away. Damarcus Beasley's game is more suited for the European competition than the knockdown-dragout SPL and he should blossom.

Group F: Manchester United and AS Roma
United has the star power, and Roma looks to make a serious run at the Italian title this season. Sporting Lisbon and Dynamo Kiev have all the makings of also-rans.

Group G: Internazionale and Fenerbahce
I got a good feeling about the Turks and Inter is always Inter. Not too high on CSKA Moscow (or Russian teams in general) and PSV.

Group H: Sevilla and Arsenal
Slavia Prague and Steaua Bucharest round out the group against the English powerhouse and the near-Spanish-Treble-winners (UEFA Cup, Spanish Cup, 3rd in Spanish League) winners from last season. Need I say more?