Champions League Returns: Top Contenders and Key Players to Watch

The Champions League is back, with Paris St-Germain aiming for an unprecedented third consecutive title as the group stage kicks off. Five English clubs, led by Arsenal, are eager to dethrone PSG, who captured the trophy twice in a row already.

Experts Julien Laurens and Guillem Balague shared their predictions, highlighting which teams and players could dominate this season. BBC Sport will once again offer extensive coverage, including highlights on BBC iPlayer, the website, and the BBC Sport app every Wednesday from 22:00 BST, plus a special Match of the Day program on BBC One at 22:40.

Favourites to Win

Julien Laurens believes that winning three straight titles is nearly impossible without a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, who PSG lacks. He expects PSG to make at least the semi-finals but doubts a three-peat. His picks for the final are Bayern Munich and Arsenal, with Arsenal winning it thanks to their strong defense, which he sees as key to winning trophies.

Guillem Balague points out PSG’s rocky start as a sign of how tough it is to maintain peak performance. Luis Enrique’s team plays demanding, dynamic football, often using early rounds to experiment. Still, Balague thinks PSG will come close to a third title. Barcelona also looks strong, needing just a centre-back and striker to reach the next level. Arsenal has grown confident and could challenge for the semifinals alongside Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, or Manchester City.

Players to Watch

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid): Laurens expects a big season for Bellingham, thriving in Mourinho’s number 10 role after a solid World Cup.
• Nico Paz (Como): As Como’s playmaker and under manager Cesc Fabregas, Paz promises exciting football and could soon become a top talent.
• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG): Called "Mr Champions League," Kvaratskhelia’s technical skill and goal-scoring threat put him in Ballon d’Or conversations.
• Ismaelo Ganiou (Lens): A fast, physical centre-back who impressed last season and may move to the Premier League.
• Donyell Malen (Roma): After a strong run as Roma’s striker, Malen looks ready to shine again on Europe’s biggest stage.

Balague also highlights Bayern's Harry Kane as a serious Ballon d’Or contender, Barcelona’s young Lamine Yamal eager to impress, Brazilian Kaua Elias from Shakhtar, and Martin Odegaard’s return to form at Arsenal.

Statistical Insights

According to Opta data, Arsenal tops the list with a 20.4% chance of winning, followed closely by Bayern Munich at 20%. Manchester City is third with 12.7%, while PSG’s odds are 7.3%. All five English clubs rank inside the top ten for overall win probability and have over 50% chances to advance past the group stage.

• Group Stage Draws:
• Liverpool has the easiest schedule.
• Stuttgart enjoys the easiest overall path.
• Inter Milan leads among pot one teams.
• Arsenal faces Real Madrid and Bayern Munich but also lower-ranked Sabah and Slovan Bratislava.
• Manchester City draws Barcelona and PSG, plus tough Napoli from pot three.

Last year, Arsenal topped their group despite an easy draw, while Bayern Munich finished second despite facing the toughest opponents.

How Will the Newcomers Fare?

Balague praises Cesc Fabregas’ work at Como, expecting them to reach knockout rounds. Austrian side LASK showed strength but likely won’t qualify beyond the groups. Azerbaijan’s Sabah, organized but drawn against giants like Arsenal and Barcelona, might cause surprises but won’t advance. Norwegian club Viking, despite tough opponents, could make the knockout phase due to the country’s competitive football culture.

Broadcast Information

Catch every Champions League highlight from 22:00 BST on Wednesdays via BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport platforms. BBC One airs a special Match of the Day program at 22:40 featuring key moments from the night’s action.