The Champions League has always been about the crème de la crème of Europe, and it is nigh impossible to predict the outcome of a competition as grand as the one in question. However, we can still cast an eye on the clubs that are capable of winning the trophy at present:

Inter: Jose Mourinho was brought in for a reason, and that was to win the Champions League with Inter. It is now 44-years since the Nerazzurri tasted the ultimate glory on the European stage. They have not made it to the final of this competition in 37-years, but all that may change if the ‘Special One’ does what he does best, and brings the trophy to the Beneamata. The talent is certainly present in the squad, but it is to be seen if the Italian champions can rise to the occasion and do their country proud.

Barcelona: The Catalan giants will attempt to do what no club has done before in the Champions league era, and defend the title successfully. With the acquisition of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the Blaugrana have added even more creativity to a squad that is already brimming with imaginative play that is bordering on artistic genius. The Spanish giants were by far the best team in Europe last season, and the class showed when they coolly finished off Manchester United in the final to win the trophy twice in a span of four years. Pep Guardiola and his men will undoubtedly start the competition as favourites to win the title, but only time will tell if the Spanish champions can rewrite history and successfully defend their title.

Manchester United: The Red Devils may have sold Cristiano Ronaldo and lost out on the signature of Carlos Tevez, as he signed for their bitter rivals Manchester City, but that can by no means undermine the strength and depth of a club that has won the Premier League seven times in the last ten years. They are arguably the most successful club this decade, and have a manager who is arguably the best boss that any club has had till date. Still, everyone including Sir Alex Ferguson himself has acknowledged that no single player can replace Ronaldo. However, a significant portion of the funds received from the sale of CR9 are yet to be used, and a splurge during the January transfer window may see them emerge as the favourites.

Wolfsburg: It may sound funny to put forward the German champions in a list that includes the high, haughty and mighty clubs around Europe. But anyone who watched the Bundesliga last season will vouch for the Wolves as a top class side. Playing excellent football throughout the season, breaking records and rewriting club history, Die Wolfe probably had the best strike partnership last season. Edin Dzeko and Grafite stunned the German fans by hammering over twenty goals each, and their effectiveness up front is unquestionable. The 5-1 thrashing dealt out to Bayern Munich and Werder Bremen during last season will certainly be remembered for a long time to come. However, this is the first time that the club is participating in this competition, and a lack of experience in competing at this level may come to haunt their hope in doing the unthinkable.

Juventus: The club has been making good deals on the transfer market, and have an almost unchanged squad when compared to last season. Their success on the European stage will depend on whether the Bianconeri can keep their players fit throughout the season. Their plans of winning the Scudetto was hampered by injuries and terrible form at the wrong end of the season.  The Old Lady was relegated due to the Calciopoli scandal, but came back to the top flight with the hunger to win. Since their return to the top flight, the Zebre have not won any major trophy yet, and this could be their year.

Real Madrid: The big signings have arrived in the form of Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Karim Benzema. With Xabi Alonso set to follow, we are looking at Los Galacticos v2.0. The talent in definitely there, the big names are all there, but the big question that lies before club president Florentino Perez now is whether all the big egos came come together and contribute to the cause, or if it will end up as a case of Madrid-go-round goes ‘round and ‘round.

Liverpool: The Reds are the most decorated English club, and are the most successful on the European stage. But their players, particularly those in the defensive half of the midfield appear to be angling for a move to Spain. Javier Mascherano is reportedly in favour of a move to Barca, while his team-mate Xabi Alonso’s saga of the quiet dance till Madrid come a calling. Still, no one can rule out their twelfth man, since their fans have been known to life the Merseysiders from down in the dumps to dizzying heights of glory. Hint: Istanbul, 2005.

Bayern Munich: The Bavarian powerhouse were inconsistent last season, but evidence of class was existed when they demolished Portuguese club Sporting in the first knockout round in the Champions League. Their performance in the pre-season Audi Cup held in Munich was commendable, as they beat Manchester United to claim the trophy. Boasting of a wide array of talent, the club is certainly one of the bigger and better clubs on the European stage.

Barcelona will begin the competition as favourites, but it remains to be seen if they can do what no club has done since this competition transformed into the Champions League, and go on to defend their title as the conquerors of Europe.

Football Italiano