Graeme Souness Previews The UEFA Champions League

Would you agree that this year’s competition looks like one of the most open in years?

If you look at the team that’s dominated in the last few years, Real Madrid, they’ve seen some big changes; the manager’s gone, Ronaldo is gone. I think other teams will see a great opportunity, and I reckon we’ll have a new winner this time. 

How do you view the chances of the English sides?

Manchester City and Liverpool have a real chance of winning it. You need a wee bit of luck, as you do in any cup competition, but they’ve both got the players to go all the way – provided Liverpool’s new signings turn up and do what they say on the tin.

Are there any dark horses we should keep an eye on?

The cream always comes to the top in this tournament, as far as the semi-finals and finals are concerned. There might be a surprise team to top a group or something, but as the competition goes on it will be the same old faces. Paris Saint-Germain could go further than before – they’ve always come unstuck in the quarter-finals – but I think a lot of the usual suspects will be there again.

And finally, are you excited to be back as part of Virgin Media Sport’s coverage?

I can’t wait to kick into it. Forget the teams playing on the field – we’ve got a really strong team ourselves!