Odds of Survival

AC MILAN
Milan are in second place in the Serie A (10 points behind Juve), so would be gunning to win the Champions League this season. And after last season's bitter defeat, they would have learned a lot and will be one of the favourites.
Watch out for: The enigmatic Shevchenko and playmaker Kaka
Could be a problem: aging defence? Will age catch up with them against teams with younger and faster players.
Verdict: Main contender. Not winning would be a disaster (esp for me!)
Odds: 5/1

ARSENAL
The Gunners' realistic hope for Champions League football next season seems to be by winning it. Struggling in the Premier League for a 4th place finish - let alone automatic qualification - they would love to win the Cup and make things a bit easier for them.
Watch out for: None other than Henry.
Could be a problem: An inexperienced side with a host of young players who have not been tested at this level yet.
Verdict: Stand a good chance if they can stick together as a team and Henry avoids an injury!
Odds: 9/1

BARCELONA
Now that Chelsea have been swept aside, Barca are the real contenders for the title and if they win it...They do deserve it. Flying high in the League, they do not have to worry much about it if they continue their fine form.
Watch out for: The Brazilian ace Ronaldinho and Maradona's heir - Messi.
Could be a problem: Apart from an injury to Ronaldinho and Messi, I do not see any major concerns right now.
Verdict: Favourites. Expected to win.
Odds: 15/8

BENFICA
Any team than can send ManU and Liverpool packing have to be given serious though. Their way to the second round was thought to be luck, but they showed what they are capable of by completing a 3-0 agg against Liverpool.
Watch out for: Sabrosa
Could be a problem: Not tested much at a higher level and could collapse under pressure
Verdict: Outside chance. But can go all the way if they play as a team.
Odds: 16/1


JUVENTUS
Leading the Serie A by a hige margin and have a wealth of experience and talent at their disposal. Winning the Cup matters most now, and after the scare against Bremen, they will be more cautious
Watch out for: Trezeguet, Vieira and Nedved
Could be a problem: Defence is vulnerable and not fast enough and leaves holes at times.
Verdict: One of the leading contenders but will need to score more than their leaky defence to go ahead.
Odds: 4/1

LYON
Champions of France but fail to cause a similar impact in Europe. The League title does not seem to be a problem now, and so they can concentrate on the Champions League now.
Watch out for: Juninho
Could be a problem: Not made an impact on the big tournament. Always failed without a fight away from the League
Verdict: Can make it to finals, if they maintain their current form and play as a team
Odds: 6/1

VILLAREAL
Down the table in the Spanish League and not much was expected of them in the Champions League as well. But they have defied the odds to make it to the last 8. They - arguably - had an 'easy' opponent in 'Rangers' but will try to build on the recent wins and go forward.
Watch out for: The former ManU misfit - Forlan and playmaker Riquelme.
Could be a problem: Not too many goals this season and goals win games ,so they have to start firing from all cylinders really soon.
Verdict: Outside chance. Not fancied, but need to get something special if they want to win.
Odds: 14/1

AJAX (yet to play)
Their performance in the Dutch league was not quite as expected with mixed fortunes and they are on the verge of elimination in the Champions League (2-2 in Amsterdam) as well. Yet to play the second leg, they have a massive task ahead to claw back and hold on to something.
Watch out for: Sneijder, Huntelaar
Could be a problem: Scoring 2 goals and winning at the san Siro is a touch ask and Sneijder may miss the key match and that could be a real blow.
Verdict: Rank Outsider. Need a miracle to win the title.
Odds: 100/1

INTER (yet to play)
Inter have the advantage over Ajax after their 2-2 draw in the first leg and will be hoping to make it to the next round past Ajax. Their position in the league has also dropped a few places and will have to fight it out to make it to the Champions league next season.
Watch out for: The dangerous Adriano
Could be a Problem: inconsistency is their main problem. And the defence does look vulnerable at times and that can be punished against stronger opposition.
Verdict: No Surprise if they make it to the finals. Just need to get their act together.
Odds: 17/2

Note: Odds based on William Hill.