Arsenal and Chelsea: Graeme Souness backs both to top groups
By Graeme Souness
Wednesday 11 December 2013 10:59, UK
Napoli v Arsenal
Barcelona, for me, are one of a clutch of teams that can win this competition. Right now Bayern Munich are the outstanding side, followed by Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester City and Barcelona.
After Christmas that could change. I still expect Bayern to be out in front but I expect Chelsea to join that group because you've got to believe their players will find a bit of consistency.
Barcelona's hopes largely depend on whether or not they can get Lionel Messi fit and keep him fit. I'm talking about them domestically as well as in Europe.
It's hardly rocket science to say that. He scored 50 goals last year and a similar number the year before. If you take 50 goals out of anyone's team and you'll soon start drawing and losing games you would have won otherwise.
His fitness will be key to how far they go in this competition.