THE 2016-17 UEFA Champions League is set to commence and so too a list of enticing first round group stage matches.
The European cup is the most prestigious of club tournaments in world football and a platform for Europe’s best to showcase their abilities.
Barcelona versus Celtic
Brendan Rodgers and his Celtic team will head into their opening group stage encounter with Spanish champions Barcelona full of confidence and belief.
The Scottish champions are fresh off derby day success, with a 5-1 hammering of Rangers. New signing Moussa Dembele impressed with his first hat trick and will need to do much of the same if Celtic is to be successful at Camp Nou.
Adding to the belief and confidence of the Scottish champions is Barcelona’s performance in La Liga on the weekend, a disappointing Barca went down 2-1 to newly promoted Alaves at the Camp Nou.
Luis Enrique will be wary of the Scottish champions and will be determined to open his UCL campaign with a win, which should see the return of Leo Messi and Luis Suarez to the starting eleven.
If Celtic is any chance of getting a result against Barcelona in Spain, they need to ensure they put in an organised team defensive effort and pounce on any chances they do receive.
The key for Celtic will be to stop the MSN, Messi, Suarez and Neymar. A point from this encounter will be a successful start to Celtics group stage ambitions.
Paris Saint-Germain versus Arsenal
A 92nd minute equaliser by Saint-Etienne handed PSG their second successive match without a win in Ligue 1. Their draw comes a game after Monaco defeated the reigning French champions 3-1.
Despite drawing, PSG dominated play with just over 60 per cent possession and 15 shots on goal to five. If they are to be successful against Wenger’s Arsenal they will need to be much more prolific in front of goal.
In the English Premier League on the weekend Arsenal escaped with a win after Southampton conceded a late penalty, a questionable one at best.
The Gunners are yet to stamp their authority on this season, with a loss to Liverpool at the Emirates and a draw against Leicester City in their two most difficult games.
PSG should feel confident heading into the clash in Paris, but with the quality that Arsenal possesses in individual talent the game could easily go either way.
Edinson Cavani will need to step up after the departure of Zlatan Ibrahimovic if PSG are to open their campaign with a victory. While for Arsenal, Mesut Ozil’s passing ability is absolutely crucial to their chances.
Manchester City versus Monchengladbach
Both Manchester City and Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach will be vying for victory in their first group stage games. Both teams had to go through Champions League play-offs to participate in the competition and will be looking to go even further.
It will be Pep Guardiola’s first official group stage game in charge of Manchester City as he will be looking to carry the momentum of his teams victory in the Manchester Derby.
Monchengladbach lost their first game in five games this weekend, going down to SC Freiburg 3-1. They will be looking to bounce back at the Etihad after a string of victories before the disappointing performance.
If Monchengladbach is a chance to defeat Guardiola’s men, stopping Kevin De Bruyne will be paramount.
The former Bundesliga player was the most important player in City’s derby day win on the weekend, he linked defence with attack in a scintillating performance. Not only was it De Bruyne’s ability to score a goal and supply an assist, but also his effort to win the ball back for his team was second to none.
Benfica versus Besiktas
Besiktas return to the Champions League after six seasons out of the tournament, awaiting the Turkish champions is Benfica the reigning Portuguese champions.
The game in Lisbon has the potential to be the most exciting of the first games in the group stage, with both teams holding the current crowns in their respective competitions.
Both teams enter the match after starting the season undefeated, one draw apiece.
Benfica’s Greek international Kostas Mitroglou is coming off a quality performance for his nation, if he recovers in time the striker is set to cause the Besiktas defence a few headaches.
Besiktas’ Portuguese international Ricardo Quaresma has proven to be the ultimate x-factor throughout his career, with his instinct ability to make an impact Benfica will need to be wary.
While Benfica will be looking to bounce back after being knocked out in the quarter-finals by Bayern Munich last season, Besiktas will be looking to make up for lost time, this match is set to be one of great entertainment.
Tottenham versus Monaco
Tottenham Hotspur have opened their English Premier League campaign undefeated and enter their clash against Monaco coming off a dominate display which saw them defeat Stoke City 4-0.
While Monaco sit atop of the Ligue 1 table, with three wins and one draw.
After qualifying for the Champions League, Monaco have had two exceptional performances, defeating PSG 3-1 followed by a victory away to Lille 4-1.
With renovations at White Hart Lane, Tottenham will host the game at Wembley stadium. As Wembley is a mutual stadium, the French side will be looking to capitalise on this.
If Monaco is to be successful in their trip to Wembley, stopping Harry Kane, Eric Dier and Dele Alli is pivotal. The return of Hugo Lloris on the weekend is also a boost to the English side.
Tottenham defeated Monaco is last season’s UEFA Europa League, a feat they will be looking to repeat.
Club Brugge versus Leicester City
Club Brugge is coming off a three-game period without a victory, while Leicester City is looking to bounce back from a 4-1 hammering at Anfield.
The reigning English champions begin their Champions League campaign in Belgium, where they will face the reigning Belgium titleholders.
After a poor performance in last seasons Europa League, Club Brugge will be looking to perform much better in this seasons UCL group stage.
While for the Foxes, this seasons Champions League campaign is the first in the club’s history. Claudio Ranieri’s men are used to firsts, after all they were first-time winners of the English Premier League last season.
Leicester will be excited about the occasion and if not overawed, have the potential to go far into this season’s competition.
Attacking duo Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez will be vital for the Foxes hopes, their combination of elite footwork and finishing will be essential if they are to defeat the reigning Belgium champions. Kasper Schmeichel will be hoping for a relaxed first encounter in his UCL debut.
Real Madrid versus Sporting Club de Portugal
Real Madrid versus Sporting sees the reunion of Cristiano Ronaldo with his former club, the club Sir Alex Ferguson scouted the young talent from.
Real Madrid is in great form, boosted by the return of injured attacking duo Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema they were able to defeat Osasuna 5-2 on the weekend. Ronaldo scoring six minutes into his return.
Zinedine Zidane’s men equalled the club record of 15 successive league victories, not to be outdone by Sporting’s 13-match run in the Portuguese Liga.
Lisbon’s streak has seen them concede only seven goals, although facing the attacking line-up of Madrid including the likes of Morata, Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo will be a true test.
Madrid should be encouraged by the return of star trio Marcelo, Casemiro and James Rodriguez who were rested from the weekends clash after international duties.
Although Sporting are the last team in Portugal with a 100 per cent record in the new season, facing Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in their most valued tournament may just be too much to ask.
Madrid will be looking to get their title defence off to a winning start.
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