So...

I promised a Monday update, but there was nothing interesting to say. Instead, I'm going to (starting today) analyzing the CL group draws, starting with A. 4 pots, 4 teams, and here's the breakdown:

Inter Milan:

Defending champions. They build the groups so no 'A' pot team draws another, but Inter didn't get away with an easy group this year. They got a few players back from loans, and sold a few - nothing major, but the transfer that's going to hurt them is the loss of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid. Only time will tell how much of Inter's success last year was due to Mr. Mourinho standing at the helm. Easy passage through the group stage for Inter.

Werder Bremen:

Except for the next team, I would argue that this is the most interesting team in this group, simply for the loss of Mesut Oezil, who is joining Mourinho at Real Madrid. The team finished 3rd in the Bundesliga last season, but I don't expect that again. As for the CL...it'll be a real fight, but lately Deutsch fußball has been superior to English football, so I'll pick them to advance.

Tottenham:

Their first qualification for CL should see a quick exit from Harry Redknapp's boys, especially given their recent performances v Young Boys. I don't expect anything from Tottenham - they'll be happy to have made it, and can concentrate on performing on the international stage next year, if they qualify again. The EPL is a tough domestic scene. Spurs go home after the group stage.

Twente:

Twente, Twente, Twente...these guys are going to be a dark horse. They came from the 'D' pot, but they're by no means a pushover team. I'll be honest, I don't know much about the club, but Wikipedia tells me they did win the Eredivisie under Steve McClaren last year. The team has shown consistency since coming back from bankruptcy in the '02-'03 season, but with McClaren's move to VFL Wolfsburg, who knows what these guys will do? I do - they'll go home, barring a complete failure by Bremen, but look for them to possibly throw some wrenches into Group A by beating Bremen and/or Milan in a tie or two.

So, there's that kids. In Bayern news, Demichelis is to be sold. Scary move, considering that the management is saying no CB will be bought to replace him. Chelsea is rumoured to be looking at him, but I really don't think the Blues need him.

We play Kaiserslautern on Friday, so look for a Friday night or Saturday morning update. Join the Bayern Offside liveblog! It's much fun to talk and watch (and drink) at the same time - http://bayern.theoffside.com/