If I owned a football team, I would hire Haroon as a highly paid analyst. Congratulations on a professional preview. My hat off to you, young man.
I agree with most of the statements. My personal feeling is that Barcelona with Edu, Giuly, Larrson and Eto'o (newcomers) plus Ronaldinho and Co. are going to be a great competitor this year. At least on paper, they are a match to us, Real Madrid, Artsenal, Manchester United, etc.
Last year was the year of the "smaller teams". No one would bet in September 2003 that we would have a Monaco/Porto final. We may have a few surprises along the line this year as well: there is only one "group stage" , the rest being "elimination" stages. While group stages will benefit the stronger teams (6 chances to make it to the next step), elimination is always tricky: one stubborn team playing total defense, an accidental goal, a key injury, or a bad day, and you are out (remember the disaster at Deportivo).
Milan has clearly the best defense anyone could dream of (6 stars if applicable). The rest will depend on Sheva repeating his last year's form and the Coach going for an open/offensive game. When you have Nesta, Maldini and Stam guarding the gate, you do not have to play "catenaccio" with 8 defenders if you are leading 1-0. Beyond that, I feel Rui Costa can and will contribute more this year. It would be fantastic if Kaka can repeat his brilliant first season, but I am afraid he will be very tightly marked and targeted by the defenders in Italy and Europe.
See what happens.
Again, Haroon, you have my nomination as Milan's analyst and tactical director.
