Chelsea & Ajax step above Lille & Valencia.
Both Chelsea & Ajax should safely go through.

First time ever playing Ajax & Lille in a competitive match, which is what I wanted.
The last two times we've been in the same group as Valencia, we've reached the CL final (07/08 & 11/12) with Valencia knocked out in group stages on both occasions.

History repeat

Short travel to boot, will be very helpful with the demanding schedule in forthcoming weeks.

Yes, we are lucky with the travel as well,all teams should have good support in all games.
A great learning curve for the younger players,will stand them in good stead for the future, also, great chance for Frank to test his rotation skills.

Yep...we're going to find out how competent Frank's squad management is juggling competing on all fronts. I'm ready for the journey.

This will be a test also of Frank's motivational skills. If he can whip up a hunger to win attitude we should end up leading the group. The bookies seem to think he can with 28-1 all the way odds.

As I've already said, I think that this will be a difficult group,will be pleased to get through it safely.

We should have enough to get through in 2nd. I wouldn't give us much of a chance against Ajax unless we sort the defense out, but Valencia & Lille shouldn't present a major problem unless we catch either on a really good day.

There's also no reason to fear going out if we finish 3rd. Once again the toughest tests in the Europa look like coming from the English sides + any CL drop outs. Very winnable again.

Didn’t Ajax sell two of their best players this summer ?
If you remember a few years ago Monaco managed to achieve similar success of Ajax last year, who also sold their best players. Will Ajax have the fate ?

Ajax struggled to qualify for the group stages this year if memory serves correct?

It’s not going to be a walk in the park, but we are the best placed team to qualify from this group.

Chelsea and Valencia will qualify.