ESPN

  (2:32 PM)

Hello everyone, Tommy will be here in just a few minutes. Keep the questions coming.

Raza (Redondo Beach, California)

I think Liverpool got stuck in a potentially dangerous group with Atletico (especially after they got Banega from Valencia on loan) and PSV. The Bayern/Fiorentina/Lyon group also looks very interesting. Who do you think got stuck with the toughest group Tommy?

  (2:50 PM)

Ok, here we go! I think Liverpool got the toughest group, especially when you take in to consideration the way they are playing, They may have to ride their Champions League luck again!

John (Bel Air, MD)

Do you think Chelsea FC have a better chance of winning the English Premier League or the UEFA Champions League? And do you think they will win either?

  (2:51 PM)

John, obviously with the talent that Chelsea has you have to feel they can compete for both titles. I still feel they have something to prove in Europe. It looks like a very difficult Champions League this time, Chelsea probably have a better shot at winning the Premier League but I am not sure they will knock off Manchester United.

Daniel (Fort Lauderdale, Fl)

Tommy,I think your one of the great commentators in the sport of Football. What do you think of Chelsea's chances of winning the quadruple? Thank you and have a good day.

  (2:53 PM)

The Quadruple? A lot of people have huge expectations for this team and they are off to a great start but Championships are not won in September or October or November. I think it will be tough for them to take any of the big prizes this year but if I am going to pick one competition they will focus on it will be the Champions League because Roman wants it so bad.

Wayne Rooney

IM ANGRY, WHERE THE HECK IS TOMMY

  (2:54 PM)

I'm here Wayne...I'm here

Eric (Arcata, Ca)

Tommy, I know last year you choose Roma to win it early. Do you think they could do it this year without Mancini?

  (2:56 PM)

With the group they are in, they should have no problem getting out of it. I still think they need to sign a few players if they are going to win it all. Roma depend so much on Totti, how long can he carry them? Mancini was a huge loss, I am not sure that Julio Baptista will be the answer to their problems. The jury is still out on Roma.

Anuj (West Des Moines, IA)

Tommy, I am a big Manchester United fan like yourself. What do you reckon our chances are of repeating the achievements of last year? I am slightly discouraged by all the hype and protracted transfer sagas involving united, surely the players must feel the same way..right?

  (2:59 PM)

I would say at this point in time the players have all moved on. You have to feel that they are true professionals, the only thing they should be concentrating on now is the new season. United, as usual, are off to a stuttering start in the Premier League but I still feel they are good enough to win it. It will be a much tougher chore to repeat in Europe.

SF Arsenal (San Francisco, CA)

I'm quite worried for Arsenal as they must make a trip to Ukraine and Turkey. Fener also looks stronger with Aragones and the additional players that he's brought in. Any comments here?

  (3:04 PM)

Arsenal will find it tough to win this group. Even though they scored 4 goals yesterday against Twente I still think they need another striker. And they also need a good strong defensive midfielder. What happened last year with Fenerbahce might have been a one off. Zico had them playing great, I am not sure if Aragones can pull this team together.

Ken

Who would you say will help out their potential future teams more, Berbatov for United, or Robinho for Chelsea

  (3:05 PM)

I would say they are both great players, on the larger scheme I would say that Berbatov will help out United more. Especially if he can score 20 goals. Robinho will not score 20 but he might make it easy for Drogba or someone else to bang them in for Chelsea. I would have to say this is a push!

Steve, Michigan

Can Bayern Munich pose any threat in the later rounds of the competition? Do they have what it takes to beat a Chelsea or a Liverpool and take home the cup? On paper, they appear one of the strongest but performances such as their loss to Zenit in the UEFA Cup last year show an inability to finish a tournament out.

  (3:08 PM)

I think the big question at the moment is not so much the team but how the manager is going to handle the team. i know Bayern Munich were the draw specialists in Germany last year and still managed to win the Bundesliga. That form will not win it for you in Europe. Obviously Luca Toni must have another big year. Ribery can play with the best of them when he gets back so if Klinsmann can get them together they will have a shot.

Temi, Toronto

I'm a very worried Spurs fan and if you've been keeping up with transfers rumours a flurry of new players (3-4) are expected to join them before monday's deadline.Veloso, Arshavin, Pavulychenk and Corluka. If all these player's do indeed join, how long would it take them to gel and is a top 4 place attainable?

  (3:11 PM)

That is the first problem that they have, gelling the players together. Also, if you read between the lines, these are not the players Ramos wanted. I don't think he went about his business in a very smart manner. Only the most ardent Spurs fan would recognize 50 percent of the squad. Too many changes in too short a time. I don't think they can crack the top 4. Sorry Spurs!

Ernie (New York, NY)

Tommy,Love watching you on the telly and hearing you describe Celtic and Ireland bulge the old onion bag. How ridiculous is it that Celtic is losing coefficient points by qualifying for the Round of 16 in the Champions League the last 2 years while teams that make long UEFA Cup runs (a decidedly inferior competition) pick up huge coefficient points? Platini needs to get on this. Thanks again.

  (3:13 PM)

I agree. Platini seems to have an agenda to get as many weak teams in to Europe as possible. There is no way that the coefficients for the champions league should be near equal to those of the UEFA Cup. Not sure he will change his mind, he seems to be a man who is very committed to his views but maybe if we have a lot of 5-0 or 6-0 games he will need to direct his attention to this issue.

Tom (Atlanta, GA)

What do you think of Inter's chances of the double this year? Can Jose get done what Mancini couldn't? Forza Inter!

  (3:16 PM)

Hi Tom, as you may already be aware I am on record of picking Inter to win the Champions League this year. I am a little concerned with the injuries to start the season, hopefully Jose is not being too hard in his training sessions and when the games start it will straighten itself out. They were unlucky last season and in my opinion did not get the calls from the referee so I would say there is a good possibility they can do the double.

Frank McKenna (NY, NY)

How are you my old friend? What do you think the chances are of Sunderland making Europe next season?

  (3:17 PM)

Hello Frank. You would have to feel that the way Keano has them going, the Black Cats will be in the top 6 this season which would put them in Europe. Last year he had a team of what could best be described as journeymen. This year he seems to have bought very wisely. Also keep in mind that he has a year of experience under his belt as well.

Alex (Cleveland)

Please tell me you see man U pulling off something before the transfer deadline...

  (3:20 PM)

Berbatov may end up rotting in the reserves at Tottenham. It seems like there have been big problems between Man U and Tottenham. At thsi point in time I don't understand either team's philosophy. Berbatov is a great player and would be a big help to Manchester United but why all the shopping in the shop window and as for Spurs this looks like a lose-lose deal. If Berbatov wants to go somewhere else, how can you figure that he will play well this year. Ferguson keeps hinting that he has a surprise, I don't necessarily believe that they need any more help, I still think they have enough to win it.

Anuj (West Des Moines, IA)

Tommy, any prediction for the Super Cup match between United and Zenit tomorrow?

  (3:21 PM)

I am delighted that ESPN International will be carrying the game live tomorrow and from everything I have read Ferguson will give it a real go. he is on record as saying he wants to win it. I know Zenit are coming off a good win at the weekend but with the way their season has gone you would have to feel that will be the 2nd piece of silverware for the Red Devils.

Garret O'Mahony (New York City)

Tommy, I really enjoy watching you on ESPN. You really make the game come to life. Do you think Cristiano Ronaldo will be mentally fit for United this season in the EPL/CL and what chances if any do you think Rep.Ireland have at reaching South Africa 2010? Thanks Tommy!

  (3:25 PM)

I don't have any worries about Ronaldo not being psychologically fit. Remember what happened in the World Cup and if you look back he never missed a beat after that. i think the same will happen this year.As for the Republic of Ireland I think it will be a tough, tought campaign. Trapatoni is a good manager who will play to their strengths but unfortunately, I sometimes have to ask what those strengths are. My mom always said that you can't make Chicken Soup out of Chicken feet. But I am hopefull they will squeek through.

Mike (Brainerd, MN)

Since we're on the topic of South Africa 2010, what chances do you give Didier Drogba and the Ivorians of a return to the World Cup?

  (3:29 PM)

Based on what they did last time they should have no problems getting there and they could be a very dangerous team playing on African soil.

Wayne Rooney

IM SO YOUNG AND ANGRY, but Tommy, thanks for being here. now i dont have to step on somebody

  (3:29 PM)

Calm down Wayne, Berbatov may be on his way to help you soon...

Mike (Brainerd, MN)

Tommy, Who will have a breakput year in the EPL this season?

  (3:30 PM)

The breakout player could be Giovanni Dos Santos. I think he is a very talented player, lets hope Spurs give him his chance.

Chris

ok Tommy, you have one player to start your franchise with. Who are you taking.

  (3:31 PM)

I think my choice would have to be Frank Lampard.

Eric (Arcata, Ca)

Is Spain an early favorite for the 2010 World Cup?

  (3:32 PM)

They would have to rank as one of the favorites. I can't make them out and out favorites. I don't think you can rule out Germany, italy or Argentina.

Harold (New York, Ny)

Speaking of World Cup qualification, do you think Israel have a chance to make their first finals since 1970? They have a weaker group, so I think it is within their grasp!

  (3:35 PM)

Looking at the group, this is probably the best chance they will have. They faired pretty well vs Switzerland before and will not be scared of them and the other top team in the group is Greece and I think Isreael have a great chance,

tommy

Answer my question pleaseWhat about a chelsea vs inter final in rome?

  (3:36 PM)

It would be a great draw, as you will note from my earlier post I do feel Chelsea could be there and I will stick my neck out there again and say Inter still wins it.

Dave(Miami)

What do you expect from Fernando Torres in his sophomore campaign in the EPL?

  (3:38 PM)

I don't feel he can do as well as he did in his freshman year. Teams get to know your tendencies and they will set up defenders to make sure that you will be taken out of the game. I still think he is a good player and will get his goals but not as many as last year!

Raynoldo (Kansas)

Tommy, I was going to ask you to join my fantasy soccer league but after seeing the answer you gave Chris about which player you would start a franchise with, I'm withdrawing that offer! Lampard is good but hes definitely not worth the #1 selection.

  (3:39 PM)

Lampard may not be the greatest player in the world when it comes to skill but there is no denying his heart, leadership and ability to be a team player. There is more to winning that statistics!

Jozy A

how will i do in the Spanish game

  (3:41 PM)

Jozy, I wish you luck but I would have to say it is a long way from the meadowlands to the Bernabeau. There is a huge gulf in the talent level between these leagues. Keep your head down, stay out of the night clubs and grab every opportunity you get. You look like a young man with all the ingredients, just make sure you don't get yourself in to a stew.

Cameron (West Des Moines, IA)

OK, Tommy, we know you're picking Inter to win the UCL, but give us a dark horse or two.

  (3:42 PM)

Villarreal or Atletico Madrid could suprise.

Alex Iowa City, IA

what do you think the chances of dynamo kiev are...porto is weak this year, but what about fenerbace?

  (3:43 PM)

It depends on which Dynamo team shows up. I saw them play against Drogheda, a small team from the league of Ireland, and they did not look good. Admittedly they played great in the next round vs Spartak Moscow but I feel that they still have a bit to go to match the glory days of Shevchenko and Rebrov.

Eric (Arcata, Ca)

Well put Raynoldo...Tommy, who will be the next big name to follow Beckham to the US? Or will the be a next?

  (3:44 PM)

Pavel Nedved or Shevchenko. Certainly with Shevchenko's connections and if things don't go right for him in Milan this year he will be a prime candidate.

Mike (Brainerd, MN)

Zenit have any chance in the UCL? With or without Arshavin?

  (3:45 PM)

I have to feel that Zenit got no help in the draw. Much has been made of the couple of really good players they have and their big UEFA Cup victory but I would think that Real Madrid and Juventus are a much different kettle of fish than Rangers were.

Mo Edu

Do I make a big impact at Rangers?

  (3:46 PM)

Hello Mr. Edu, I have not seen you play too many times in MLS but I feel you are flying a bit under the radar and at the end of the season Rangers may be very happy that they bought you. Good luck!

McGuire (KCMO)

Is Robbie Keane really going to be able to get cracking on his new squad?

  (3:48 PM)

I have asked the question many times-Is Robbie Keane worth the kind of money that LIverpool shelled out for him. I keep coming up with the same answer and it is not a good one. Keane can be a talented goalscorer but the big question is how is Benitez going to employ him and what will the system look like. I know we are just a few games in to the season but so far Robbie has not looked at home.

Anuj (West Des Moines, IA)

Tommy, why do top/proven international stars prefer the Spanish/Italian league over the Premier league? Is it the culture, language, weather, food...

  (3:50 PM)

I do not think that is necessarily true. I think if you look at the Premier League at the moment there are many big stars in it from all over the world. Go look at EURO 2008 and you will see proof of that. But I think where you get even more proof is when World Cup time comes around and you see all the African players starring who play in the EPL. There are many factors in the equation but since the pound is more valuable than the Euro right now and at the end of the day that is what it all comes down to, money talks.

  (3:51 PM)

I have to run guys, I am going to the gym to get ready for the big season. Then off to the barber shop!Thanks,Tommy with a Y