Group D
Predicted Table: 1. Bayern Munich 2. Manchester City 3. CSKA Moscow 4. Viktoria Pizen Group D, which features last year's Premier League runners-up Manchester City, appears to be relatively favourable for Pellegrini's men. The obvious favourites to top the group are the
current holders of the Champions League, Bayern Munich. They looked strong in the
UEFA Super Cup final win against Chelsea and I will be very surprised if they drop more than 3 points in the group stage. The battle for second place could be fought between Manchester City and CSKA Moscow, with Pizen expected to finish rock bottom. CSKA often prove to be a difficult team to beat, especially at home on the
artificial surface. With a league and cup double under their belt in 2012/2013, the Russian side will enter the Champions League full of confidence. However, if City can perform well away in Russia, and drop few points from their home fixtures, then I would expect them to progress alongside Bayern Munich.