Arsenal and Liverpool both have semi-final potential, says Sky Sports expert
Tuesday 16 September 2014 14:37, UK
The Champions League returns on Tuesday night and our live coverage on Sky Sports 5 sees Arsenal travel to Borussia Dortmund for their opening Group D game. Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness will be in the studio and says there’s no reason why Arsene Wenger’s side can’t go far in this competition.
Borussia Dortmund v Arsenal, 7pm, Tuesday, Sky Sports 5
Arsene Wenger will be pleased to get his hardest group game – on paper at least – out of the way early.
It’s far better to travel to Borussia Dortmund for your first game than having to go there on Matchday Six, needing a result to stay in the competition. That can put you under all sorts of pressure.
I think they can get something out of Tuesday night’s game, even though they are going to a stadium that is among the very best in the world, in terms of atmosphere. The supporters really get behind the home team and it’s a great place to play football.
However, I don’t think Borussia Dortmund are as strong as they perhaps were two years ago when they reached the final. I can see Arsenal going there, getting a result and ultimately winning a group that also contains Galatasaray and Anderlecht.
Arsenal have improved this season. They weren’t on form in their game against Leicester, which came off the back of a hard game against Beskitas, but I felt they were impressive against Manchester City on Saturday.
They look to be stronger than they have been for many years and I expect them to make an impression on the Champions League this season.
In fact, all of the English teams have the potential to reach the semi-finals of this competition. They won’t all do it, but they all have the potential.
Chelsea and Manchester City would be the main contenders to get that far, but if the draw is kind to Arsenal then there’s no reason why they can’t do it.
Liverpool v Ludogorets
As I said above, all of the Premier League teams can get to the semi-final of the Champions League if the draw is kind to them.
Liverpool, I think, will have a very good season this year and I can seeing them getting to the semi-finals if they finish second in their group behind Real Madrid and then it depends on who they get in the draw.
I can speak from experience, there is nothing like Anfield on a European night. Momentum is a great thing to have in football, especially at a club like Liverpool, and the way the supporters get behind you on European nights.
I think they can have a good season and if they start scoring goals they can have a good season in the Premier League.
I don't think they will win it but finishing in the top four will be another great season for them.
This game against Ludogorets is a great re-introduction to the Champions League for them. It’s a team that isn’t very strong coming from a very ordinary league. You can only see one winner there.
It will be a fantastic night in terms of the atmosphere and I’m sure the team will put on a performance and get a few goals.
Watch Borussia Dortmund v Arsenal live on Sky Sports 5 from 7pm, Tuesday, Sky Sports 5.
