The Champions League returns this week under a completely new format with the new league phase replacing the group stages.
Many of Europe's best players will again be looking to light up Europe's biggest stage despite the layout being slightly different but only one team will walk away with the trophy. Let's see which team I think it will be.
AC MILAN
MANAGER: Paulo Fonseca
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x7 - 1963, 1969, 1989, 1990, 1994, 2003 and 2007
KEY PLAYER: Rafael Leao
Leao can be brilliant to watch on his day because of his pace and ability to beat players in one on one situations. His goal returns aren't bad either and if he can continue to add more to his game, he could turn into some player.
PREDICTION: Last 16
They have a decent squad on paper which should be enough for them to reach the knockouts. But I don't see them go beyond that as their squad isn't of the quality of some of the top teams.
ARSENAL
MANAGER: Mikel Arteta
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 2006
KEY PLAYER: Bukayo Saka
Saka has been one of the best young players in Europe over the last few years and he's on his way to being one of the best around. He's got better in each and every season and if he can deliver in Europe this season, Arsenal could push the latter stages.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
They've progressed a lot over the last few years in terms of the league and they'll now want to show progression in Europe. They should definitely go beyond the round of 16, but I don't see them going beyond the Quarters as they're not yet on the level of some of the top teams.
ASTON VILLA
MANAGER: Unai Emery
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1982
KEY PLAYER: Ollie Watkins
Watkins has come a long way since his days as a youngster at Exeter and now he's pitting himself against some of the best teams in Europe. If he can make the step up against quality opposition, Villa culd make it to the knockout rounds.
PREDICTION: Knockout Play-Offs
It's good to have a club of their stature back in this competition after so many years away. They've got the manager to take them high up the league, but I think they'll fall short of making the last 16.
ATALANTA
MANAGER: Gian Piero Gasperini
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 2020
KEY PLAYER: Ademola Lookman
Lookman netted a hat trick in the Europa League final last season as Atalanta beat Bayer Leverkusen in the final. He was never given enough of a chance at Everton but at Atalanta, he's beginning to fulfil his potential and they'll need him to repeat his performances from last season if they're to make the knockout rounds.
PREDICTION: Last 16
They beat some of the top teams on their way to winning the Europa League last season and they could do the same again in this competition. But I think they'll fall short in the knockouts.
ATLETICO MADRID
MANAGER: Diego Simeone
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up x3 - 1974, 2014 and 2016
KEY PLAYER: Antoine Griezmann
Griezmann has been back to his best since returning to Atleti after a couple of disappointing seasons at Barcelona. He continues to bag many important goals for his team and if Atleti are to reach the latter stages, they'll need him to deliver.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
They should finish high up in the league phase because of the quality and experience they have, which should earn them a winnable last 16 tie. But I don't see them reaching the latter stages as they're not on the level of the top teams.
BARCELONA
MANAGER: Hansi Flick
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x5 - 1992, 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015
KEY PLAYER: Robert Lewandowski
He may be 36 years of age, but Lewandowski still remains one of the best marksmen in Europe. He's started the season in fine form under former boss Hansi Flick and if Barca can keep him fit, they could go far in this competition.
PREDICTIONS: Semi Finals
They've started the season on fire under new boss Flick who won this competition with Bayern Munich. They're not the team they were all those years ago, but with their style of play and quality in attack, they could go far.
BAYER LEVERKUSEN
MANAGER: Xabi Alonso
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 2002
KEY PLAYER: Florian Wirtz
Wirtz was one of the best attacking players in Europe last season with his contributions playing a key role in Leverkusen winning the Bundesliga. If he can deliver on the biggest stage in club football, he could put himself right among the best in the world.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
What they achieved last season was absolutely incredible and could be tough to repeat. But with some exciting players in attack and a good manager at the helm, they could cause some surprises.
BAYERN MUNICH
MANAGER: Vincent Kompany
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x6 - 1974, 1975, 1976, 2001, 2013 and 2020
KEY PLAYER: Harry Kane
Kane had an incredible debut season with Bayern last season as he netted 44 goals in all competitions won the European golden shoe. But his wait for a trophy goes on and he'll be hoping that this is the year where his luck will finally turn. Bayern will need him at his brilliant best again this season if they're to stand any chance of winning this one.
PREDICTION: Semi Finals
Their manager might be unproven at this level, but they still have a good enough squad to go far. But I think they'll fall short again as there are teams in this competition who are slightly better.
BENFICA
MANAGER: Bruno Lage
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGE FINISH: Winners x2 - 1961 and 1962
KEY PLAYER: Angel Di Maria
Di Maria had a decent first season back at Benfica last season as he registered 9 goals and 11 assists. He's still very much got it at the age of 36 and having someone of his quality and experience will be massively beneficial for Benfica as they look to reach the knockout rounds.
PREDICTION: Last 16
They've caused some surprises in this competition in the past and they'll need to bring back that surprise factor if they're to cause more this season. They can definitely qualify from the league phase, but I don't think they'll have enough to go beyond the round of 16.
BOLOGNA
MANAGER: Vicenzo Italiano
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINSH: 1st Qualifying Round - 1965
KEY PLAYER: Riccardo Orsolini
Orsolini was one of Bologna's main men last season as they surprised everyone in qualifying for this competition. With last seasons top scorer Zirkzee having left in the summer, a lot will depend on the Italian as he's arguably their only standout attacker.
PREDICTION: League Phase
They lost a few key personnel over the summer including manager Motta which will no doubt make their task more challenging. With not a lot of experience at this level, I think this step could be one too far for them.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND
MANAGER: Nuri Sahin
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINSH: Winners - 1997
KEY PLAYER: Julian Brandt
Brandt was arguably Dortmund's best player last season in what was a very challenging season for them. His contributions were key to Dortmund qualifying for this competition last season and if they're to go as far as they did last season, they'll need him to step up again.
PREDICTION: Last 16
Repeating last seasons exploits will be tough as the competition looks arguably stronger than it did last season. They should definitely qualify from the league phase, but I don't see them going as far as they did last season.
BREST
MANAGER: Eric Roy
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: N/A
KEY PLAYER: Pierre Lees-Melou
Lees-Melou was at the heart of everything Brest did in Ligue 1 last season as they qualified for this competition and had one of the best defences in the league. His ability to dictate play in midfield and make well timed challenges were crucial to that and they will be again if they're to compete at this level.
PREDICTION: League Phase
They don't have any experience at this level or the quality of players to help them compete there. Because of this I think they'll crash out early.
CELTIC
MANAGER: Brendan Rodgers
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1967
KEY PLAYER: KYOGO FURUHASHI
Furuhashi might not have had the season he had two seasons ago last season, but his goals and other contributions were still key to the hoops winning the double. If Celtic are to fare better in Europe this season, they'll need their Japanese star to deliver the goods like he has done domestically.
PREDICTION: Knockout Play-Off
They've been disappointing in this competition for a while now and I can only see that disappointment being extended here. That is because they don't have the quality to compete at this level.
CLUB BRUGGE
MANAGER: Nicky Hayen
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 1978
KEY PLAYER: Andreas Skov Olsen
Skov Olsen netted 14 times in the Belgian league last season as Brugge won the title and he ended up netting 27 times in all competitions. If Brugge are to finish in the top 28 spots, they need him to deliver similar numbers again.
PREDICTION: League Phase
They never go far in this competition because they don't have the quality to do so. Because of this I can only see the same outcome again.
DINAMO ZAGREB
MANAGER: Sergej Jakirovic
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Group Stage x8 - 1999, 2000, 2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2023
KEY PLAYER: Bruno Petkovic
Petkovic's 18 goals in all competitions last season were key to Zagreb winning the Croatian League and cup last season and has arguably been their main man ever since he's been at the club. If the Croatian champions are to stand a chance of making it to the knockout rounds, they'll need him to deliver the goals again.
PREDICTION: League Phase
They never got past the group stage in the old format and I can see the same happening in the new one. They never have the quality to compete in this competition and I can see it being the case again.
FEYENOORD
MANAGER: Brian Priske
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1970
KEY PLAYER: David Hancko
Hancko was excellent for Slovakia at the Euros during the summer and he was more or less the same with Feyenoord last season. He's always in the right place to make key interventions when his team need him to and he also likes to have a pop at goal. He got 7 of them in all competitions last season.
PREDICTION: Knockout Play-Off
They don't have a lot of experience at this level but they do have a number of players who have played at a high level internationally. But with there being a number of teams better than them, I don't see them reaching the knockouts.
GIRONA
MANAGER: Michel
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: N/A
KEY PLAYER: Daley Blind
Blind has a lot of experience at this level from his days at Ajax and Man United and his experience will be massively beneficial for Girona ahead of their first season in European competition. If Girona are to stand any chance of reaching the knockout rounds, they'll need to rely on his experience.
PREDICTION: League Phase
What they did last season in La Liga was completely unexpected and incredible, but this competition could be a step too far for them. With a lack of experience at this level and quality in their squad, I think they'll go out early.
INTER MILAN
MANAGER: Simone Inzaghi
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x3 - 1964, 1965 and 2010
KEY PLAYER: Lautauro Martinez
Martinez has arguably been the best striker in Serie A for the last three to four seasons and his goals last season were crucial to inter winning the title. His record in this competition though isn't as good and if he can improve on it, Inter could push the latter stages like they did a couple of seasons ago.
PREDICTION: Last 16
They've got some quality players in their squad who could take them far in this competition. But with the competition arguably looking stronger this season, it could be tough for them.
JUVENTUS
MANAGER: Thiago Motta
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x2 - 1985 and 1996
KEY PLAYER: Dusan Vlahovic
Vlahovic was Juve's main goal threat last season as he netted 18 goals in all competitions. He's firmly established himself as one of the best strikers in Serie A over the last few seasons and if Juve are to go far in this competition, they'll need him amongst the goals again.
PREDICTION: Last 16
They're not the team they used to be and won't be expected to go very far because of that. But they should still have enough to qualify for the knockouts.
LILLE
MANAGER: Bruno Genesio
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Last 16 x2 - 2007 and 2022
KEY PLAYER: Angel Gomes
Gomes made his England debut recently and impressed with his pressing and work rate of the ball. This is what has made him a key player for Lille in recent seasons and if he start adding goals to his game, he'll become more of an all round player.
PREDICTION: Knockout Play-Offs
They have some promising players in their squad, but not many of them are at the level of the players from some of the other clubs. Because of this I think they'll short of the knockouts.
LIVERPOOL
MANAGER: Arne Slot
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x6 - 1977, 1978, 1981, 1984, 2005 and 2019
KEY PLAYER: Mohamed Salah
Salah has been Liverpool's main man for some time now because of the amount of goals he has scored for them over the years. A lot of those goals have come in this competition and if can keep up the record he has in this competition, the reds could go far.
PREDICTION: Quarter Finals
Some of the 2019 winning side are still at the club and their experience of that will be a massive boost for them. But I don't see them going that far as the competition arguably looks stronger this season.
MAN CITY
MANAGER: Pep Guardiola
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 2023
KEY PLAYER: Erling Haaland
Haaland has started the season in fine form after netting goals already this season. He's benefitted from having a full summer to rest and a full pre-season to get himself fit, and if he can carry his current form into Europe, City could win back the trophy.
PREDICTION: Semi Finals
They'll be determined to win back the trophy they were desperate to win for so long. But I think they'll fall short this round despite being the incredible team they are.
MONACO
MANAGER: Adi Hutter
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Runners Up - 2004
KEY PLAYER: Takumi Minamino
Minamino is likely to be the player to step up as Monaco's main man this season following the departure of top scorer Wissam Ben Yedder in the summer. He scored 9 times last season as Monaco finished 2nd in Ligue 1 and he can definitely build on that this season.
PREDICTION: League Phase
They haven't got the quality that most of the teams in this competition have and haven't done for years. Because of this, I don't give them much of a chance.
PSG
MANAGER: Luis Enrique
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINSH: Runners Up - 2020
KEY PLAYER: Randal Kolo Muani
With Kylian Mbappe gone, someone will need to step up as PSG's talisman and Muani could be that player. He's started the season like it after netting twice in three games and he'll need to keep it up if he is to make the step up and if PSG are to reach the latter stages.
PREDICTION: Last 16
Losing Mbappe is a blow as it has left them short of a world class player. There are some good players in their squad, but I still think it will be more of the same for them.
PSV
MANAGER: Peter Bosz
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1988
KEY PLAYER: Luuk De Jong
De Jong was the top goal scorer in the Eredivisie last season as PSV won the title in what was his best ever season in terms of goals. Is the Dutch champions are to reach the knockout rounds this season, they'll need him to deliver the goals once again.
PREDICTION: Last 16
They have a lot of goals in their attack and their quality up there should be enough for them to reach the knockouts. But I don't see them going beyond the last 16 as they haven't got the calibre of players that the top teams possess.
REAL MADRID
MANAGER: Carlo Ancelotti
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners x15 - 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1966, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2022, 2024
KEY PLAYER: Vinicius Junior
Vinicius scored the winning goal in the final last season to seal Real's 15th European crown and his goals before that were key in getting Real to that moment. He's developed into one of the finest attacking players in Europe in recent years and is set to play another huge role this season as Real look to defend their crown.
PREDICTION: Winners
The signing of Mbappe surely makes them favourites to win another one. With arguably the best squad in the competition at their disposal mixed with quality young and experienced players, they should win another one.
RB LEIPZIG
MANAGER: Marco Rose
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Semi Finals - 2020
KEY PLAYER: Xavi Simons
Simons is back for another loan spell at Leipzig after impressing in his first spell last season. He hit double figures for both goals and assists in all competitions last season and if he can produce the kind of performances he produced last season and at the Euros, PSG may want to call him back.
PREDICTION: Last 16
They have caused some surprises in this competition in the past but haven't done so for a while. They should definitely qualify for the knockout stages, but going beyond that is a big ask.
RED BULL SALZBURG
MANAGER: Pep Lijnders
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Last 16 - 2022
KEY PLAYER: Karim Konate
Konate was the top goal scorer in the Austrian Bundesliga last season with 20 goals and has started this season in similar fashion. If Salzburg are to stand any chance of making the knockout rounds, they'll need him to deliver in Europe.
PREDICTION: Knockout Play-Off
They never go far in this competition as they've never had the quality that most of the sides in this competition possess. Because of this I can see them fall short of the knockouts again.
RED STAR BELGRADE
MANAGER: Vladan Milojevic
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Winners - 1991
KEY PLAYER: Cherif Ndiaye
Ndiaye scored 15 goals in all competitions last season and 11 in the Serbian Superliga as Red Star won the the title. He was their main supply for goals and will need to be again if they're to stand any chance of making the knockout rounds.
PREDICTION: League Phase
They'll again be one of the main underdogs in this competition as they don't the quality of players that most of the teams in this competition have. With this likely to be the case again, I can see them head out early.
SHAKHTAR DONETSK
MANAGER: Marino Pusic
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 2011
KEY PLAYER: Mykola Matviyenko
Matviyenko has been a key player for Shakhtar for a number of years now as they've won many Ukrainian League titles. He can play either as a left back or a centre back and is great on the ball as he has an incredible range of passing and is comfortable in possession.
PREDICTION: Knockout Play-Off
They're in this competition pretty much every season, but they never seem to go very far. I can see that being repeated yet again this season.
SLOVAN BRATISLAVA
MANAGER: Vladimir Weiss
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: N/A
KEY PLAYER: Robert Mak
Mak is back at the club he started out at as a youngster and he brings with him experience at this level from his previous clubs. This will be beneficial for the Slovakian champions ahead of their first season in Europe's top club competition.
PREDICTION: League Phase
They don't have a lot of Champions League experience in their squad as this will be their first time in this competition. Because of this and a lack of top quality in their side, I can see them head out early.
SPORTING LISBON
MANAGER: Ruben Amorim
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Quarter Finals - 1983
KEY PLAYER: Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres was playing for Coventry in the Championship only a couple of seasons ago and now he's one of Europe's in-form strikers. He was the top goal scorer in the Portuguese league last season and has started this season in great form after already netting 8 times in 5 games. If he can carry that form n Europe, Sporting could make the knockout rounds.
PREDICTION: Knockout Play-Off
They have a good manager in charge along with some decent players. But I think they'll fall short of the knockouts again as they don't have the quality that some of the teams in this competition have.
STURM GRAZ
MANAGER: Christian Ilzer
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Group Stage x3 - 1999, 2000 and 2001
KEY PLAYER: Otar Kiteishvili
Kiteishvili was Sturm Graz's top goal scorer last season as they won the Austrian Bundesliga and played a key role for Georgia in the summer as they reached the last 16 of the Euros. The Austrian champions will need him to step up on the goals front again if they're to stand a chance in this competition.
PREDICTION: League Phase
It's been a while since they were last in this competition and their squad will lack experience as a result of it. Because of this and a lack of top quality, they'll probably head out early.
STUTTGART
MANAGER: Sebastian Hoeness
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Last 16 x2 - 2004 and 2010
KEY PLAYER: Denis Undav
It didn't really work out for him at Brighton but at Stuttgart, Undav has been back to being the player he was before his move to the South Coast. He scored 18 goals last season as Stuttgart finished 2nd in the Bundesliga last season and if Stuttgart are to compete in this competition, they'll need him to repeat that form in Europe.
PREDICTION: Knockout Play-Off
They could make it uncomfortable for teams after an impressive showing in the Bundesliga last season. But because of their lack of experience and quality at this level, I think they'll fall short of the knockouts.
YOUNG BOYS
MANAGER: Patrick Rahmen
BEST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINISH: Semi Finals - 1959
KEY PLAYER: Joel Monteiro
Monteiro was Young Boys' top goal scorer last season with 12 as they won the Swiss league and they'll need him to repeat that form in Europe. Young Boys will be one of the main underdogs in this competition and if they're to stand any chance of reaching the knockout rounds, they'll need Monteiro to score goals.
PREDICTION: League Phase
They don't have the quality to compete at this level and they never have done. Because of this, I can see the outcome being the same.
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