UCL: Ronaldo, Messi, Neymar to headline group stage

Published : Sep 11, 2017 20:40 IST

After his exploits in the last season, the 18-year-old is now part of a fearsome front three with Edinson Cavani and Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain following a protracted transfer saga, the French forward will be hoping to pick up where he left off with Monaco.

Labelled by some as Lionel Messi's "heir", Dybala's Argentinian background, style of play and technical ability have made it a difficult tag to shrug off. He will go head-to-head with Messi in Camp Nou on Tuesday hoping to step out of his shadow.

Manchester United's record signing will be wanting to take centre-stage in this year's competition having helped the side reach the Champions League in his first season at the club. His partnership with Romelu Lukaku will be key to Mourinho's men topping the group stages.

Cristiano Ronaldo's suspension is surely a key factor in Real Madrid's stuttering start to its LaLiga title defence, Zinedine Zidane would welcome back his star striker for its Champions League defence.

Such is his genius, Lionel Messi should always be "one to watch". He will be particularly vital to Barcelona when Juventus visit Camp Nou on Tuesday, with Ernesto Valverde's men handed perhaps the toughest of opening matches.

Now out of Lionel Messi's shadow after he secured his €222million switch from Barcelona, Neymar is the star of the show in Paris and certainly does not appear to be affected negatively by that burden, having started the Ligue 1 season with four goals and four assists in as many matches.

Fourteen Premier League matches and 10 goals since his January transfer, the Brazilian striker looks set to get his first taste of Champions League action.

Despite Barca's dogged attempts through the summer, coupled with a transfer request from the player, the Brazilian remained at Anfield. With the dust now settled on that failed move, Coutinho is back in training and likely to feature when Sevilla visit on Wednesday.

Judging by Keita's performances last season and impending transfer to Liverpool at the end of the campaign, it will probably be a first of many Champions League appearances for him.

While Kylian Mbappe, Tiemoue Bakayoko, Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva all left, Lemar's collapsed Arsenal move means he will be expected to up his game again and lead from the front for Monaco.

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After his exploits in the last season, the 18-year-old is now part of a fearsome front three with Edinson Cavani and Neymar at Paris Saint-Germain following a protracted transfer saga, the French forward will be hoping to pick up where he left off with Monaco.
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