Andre Villas-Boas believes that Manchester City are capable of winning the Champions League in their debut season in the competition.

Aston Villa were the last side to win Europe's major competition on their first appearance in the tournament in 1982, but Villas-Boas has said that City can emulate them.

"They are Champions League contenders," said the Chelsea boss. "Why not? They have joined together the best talent in the world.

"It's something unbelievable. It shows what they want to achieve, and they have a winning coach (Roberto Mancini) as well, a coach who won three titles in a row at Inter.

"I don't see why they wouldn't have the drive and qualities to go all the way through."

Thursday's Champions League draw placed City in Group D, along with Bayern Munich, Villarreal and Napoli.

The Champions League group stages get underway on Tuesday, September 13.