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With the draws done and dusted, we know all 32 teams taking part in Europe's most prestigious club competition. Ahh, who are we kidding? It's the world's greatest showpiece!
We know there will be a winner in Madrid come May, but will the winners be from Madrid?
Could Ronaldo really bring the title home to Turin? What about Messi and his promise to bring the UCL back to Camp Nou?
It all begins in a fortnights time, so let's have a look at the 8 groups and what we can from this seasons competition.
Group-A(nyone's to steal)
My personal pick for the Group of Death, Group A comprises of 3 teams used to finishing second in their respective domestic leagues, and Club Brugge, champions of Belgium twice in the last 3 seasons. On paper no three teams are this evenly matched, all of them equally capable of beating any team in world football on their day. While Dortmund and Monaco believe that attack is the best form of defence, Atletico are quite the contrast and will look to shut out their opponents while scoring the odd goal at the other end. Brugge will perhaps be aiming for that 3rd place Europa spot, but its hard to see them coming out victorious on any occasion. With all teams knowing the importance of winning their home matches, expect goals galore on all 6 matchdays. Let's not forget BVB and Monaco have been up there amongst the competitions top scorers in recent seasons.
Prediction: Atletico win all 3 homes matches and top the group. Monaco finish 2nd pipping Dortmund whose poor defensive record means they will play Europa League football. As for Club Brugge, they can concentrate on winning their 3rd domestic title in 4 seasons.
Group-B(arcelona)
Most people's choice for Group of Death, and rightly so. For me, however, this group is simple, Barcelona will probably win all their matches and top the group. After all, Messi made a promise to the Camp Nou to bring back the #UCL, and when Messi makes a vow, you know he means business. Let's not also forget about the 300 plus million Barcelona have spent on the likes of Dembele, Malcolm, Vidal and Coutinho which should really come to fruition this season.
The battle for 2nd place: A mouthwatering clash between a club that in the past always won trophies vs the team that quite simply don't. A clash between Milan who have spent big over the summer, sealing impressive deals for the likes of Naingollan, Vrsaljko and De Vrij up against Tottenham, who didn't spend a penny all summer. Former Giants vs Dark Horses, everything about the two clubs is contradictory, except the dependence on their Striker.
Icardi has scored 100 goals in 147 Serie A matches for Inter, has been their top scorer in the last 4 seasons, and is also the club captain.
Kane has managed 110 in 140 Premier League matches, has 2 PL golden boots, 1 European Golden boot and 1 World Cup Golden Boot to his name. Interestingly both have also been linked to Real Madrid to fill one giant Ronaldo shaped void.
While PSV Eindhoven are also a part of this group, they are there just to make up the numbers (sorry to any PSV fan reading this). A tough draw for one of Hollands greatest clubs!
Prediction: While Barca come out comfortable winners, I fancy Spurs to finish second, with Inter having to be content with a Europa League spot. All in all, seeing both Milan clubs playing in Europe itself in a giant win for fans all around.
Group-C(ollection of Stars)
Need an amazing trio, because this group can serve them left right and center. Mbappe/ Neymar/ Cavani or Salah/Mane/Firmino and Mertens/Callejon/Insigne, some of Europe's greatest attacking talent will be on display.
Let's look at the sheer volume of goals these three teams and their players scored last season: PSG in the 17/18 UCL season - Mbappe scored 4 goals and had 3 assists, Neymar bagged 6 and assisted another 3 while Cavani chipped in with 7 goals and an assist. After some below-par performances in past seasons, Thomas Tuchel's side start favourite this time around.
Liverpool's front three made history in the UCL last year: Salah with 10 goals and 4 assists, Mane bagged 10 goals and a solitary assist, while Firmino had a magical 10 goals and 7 assists. Given the fact they are all 26 and in their prime, Klopp will be looking to do one better and win his first trophy with the club.
Napoli's front three bagged 36 goals in Serie A between them in the 201/18 season, and with support from Hamsik and a fit-again Milik, expect a firm challenge from Carlo Ancelotti's men.
Prediction: While results against Red Star Belgrade could prove vital in terms of goal difference and who finishes top, you really fancy PSG and Liverpool to progress comfortably. Napoli could try and make it hard, but perhaps the task at hand is beyond them.
Group-D(on't expect much)
Not to sound disrespectful, but it wouldn't hurt to skip this lot without getting into many details. All 4 teams have done brilliantly well to make it here, especially in the case of Schalke who finished ahead of Hoffenheim and Dortmund last season. The fact that there is no giant/favourite from the group, it's open season on the two qualification spots.
The best part of the group will be the home matches. Galatasaray are known for their notorious fan support and Ultras which create a hostile environment for any visiting team. Porto, on the other hand, also have a very good home record. Russia is always a daunting task logistically for any travelling team.
Prediction: I would fancy Porto and Galatasaray to progress simply due to their experience of playing European football year on year. Crossing my fingers Schalke could play spoilsport though!
Group-E(asy enough for the Bavarian team)
Two teams with an illustrious past, Ajax and Benfica are two of those if-only clubs.....
If only? If only they could hold on to their key players, they would be two of Europe's most feared sides. Once upon a time, famed players like Cruyff and Eusebio led these teams. Now, however, the likes of Suarez and Di Maria have sought greener pastures.
Bayern Munich, on the other hand, have not only held onto their star players but regularly added to them. While Ajax and Benfica often make the headlines for their players sold over the years XI, Bayern line up with such a strong side week in week out. With the young coach Kovac now at the helm, the Bavarian giants will be looking to break their semi-final hoodoo this time around.
With AEK Athens taking up the other spot, prospects appear bleak for the Greek unit.
Prediction: While we can expect Bayern to dominate, the battle for second place should be one of the most intriguing battles of the group stages. Can Ajax's young guns spearheaded by the willy Klaas Jan Huntelaar mount another exciting European campaign?
Group-F(ighting chance)
With Pep's City clear favourites to win the group, all three other teams have a fair shot at second place.
While Shakhtar are famous for scouting some of the worlds best players i.e Mkhitaryan, Douglas Costa, Fred and Willian, it's Lyon who are currently enjoying their golden generation since the days of Benzema and Juninho. A rejuvenated Memphis Depay alongside Fekir and Bertrand Traore is a trio more than capable of producing spectacular football. Even after losing Mariano, youngsters like Cornet and Aouar continue to flourish for the French unit.
The Hoffenheim unit led by Julian Nagelsmann continue to defy the odds in Bundesliga, and after missing out on qualification to Liverpool last season, will be looking to make it count in their maiden Champions League campaign.
While Shakhtar actually defeated City in the group stages last season, don't expect another one this time around.
Prediction: A free-flowing Manchester City to win this group, with Lyon edging out Shaktar to second place.
Group-G(alacticos return)
Roma have survived the post-Totti era, but how will Madrid fare in the post-Ronaldo era? By current form, Mardid seem to be doing just fine. Bale, Benzema and Isco seem to be regulars on the scoresheet, and with Modric staying, the club are in good shape. While Madrid may not feel the CR7 absence in the group stages, Ronaldo often popped up with key goals in the big matches. While they will need new heroes to step up, the group stages barely pose a threat to them.
Roma will also be looking to build on last year's semi-final run. With Dzeko bagging the goals up front, CSKA Moscow and Victoria Plzen shouldn't be much of a challenge for them.
Prediction: We can expect Madrid to top this group as they aim for an unprecedented 4th straight title, while A.S Roma should seal 2nd spot without much of a hiccup.
It's up to the Czech team to try and upstage CSKA for a Europa League spot.
Group-H(omecomings)
Ronaldo returns to Old Trafford, Pogba to Juve, Mata to Valencia, did I miss anyone else?
There isn't much to say really, the nostalgia from Manchester United and Juventus fans on seeing former heroes return speaks volumes itself. While Juventus will feel they now have the key to European success, United and Juve progressing is not a fixed outcome. Valencia isn't a force to be overlooked, especially after securing the services of Batshuayi and Guedes this transfer window.
With the pressure mounting on the Special One to produce results, don't be surprised to see another classic Mourinho masterclass, like the spectacular treble winning Inter Milan season.
Buffon, on the other hand, would be left licking his wounds if Ronaldo does produce the spectacular performances he is famed for.
The talented Juve side should top the group, with Mourinho's side also going through. Valencia should be content with a Europa League spot, while Young Boys are probably going to have a group stage to forget.
