The Champions League is back for its third season since expanding to 36 teams, with questions arising about how Arsenal, and other clubs, can overcome Paris Saint-Germain. PSG has achieved the historical feat of winning two consecutive trophies, and are aiming for a third.
A key discussion point is whether the current format unintentionally provides an advantage to super clubs from one-team leagues such as Ligue 1 or the Bundesliga. PSG reportedly pays little attention to the Champions League until February, having finished 15th and 11th in the opening league phase during their two victorious seasons, which required them to go through a play-off round.
This season marks the first without Pep Guardiola since 2012. Meanwhile, Liverpool's Andoni Iraola will be in his first Champions League campaign. Rodri's move to Barcelona is considered potentially the most influential factor in how this season's Champions League will unfold, especially given Arsenal's reported failure to secure an attacking star.