Nothing gets the heart beating and the blood pumping with excitement and anticipation like Champions League nights. There is nothing quite like watching Europe's elite thrash it out, in honour of club and country.
Who will ever forget Manchester United's injury time win over Bayern Munich in '99, Liverpool's comeback against Milan after a 3 goal deficit in 2005 or Chelsea's fairytale win last season? Being crowned Kings of Europe resonates on a completely higher level for player and fan, alike.
But with a new season comes a new competition. Five of Britain's top teams will be playing on Europe's big stage in the next couple of days. Here is our predictions on what you can expect.
Shakhtar Donetsk vs Chelsea, (7.45, tonight). The Ukranian side play host to the Champions of Europe tonight in what will be an intense game. Chelsea have started the season well; their new-found attacking flair has set them up as the team to beat in the Premier League; but they can not afford to underestimate their disclipined opponents. This could be a tight game. But we reckon Chelsea's Three Magicians of Midfield (Mata, Oscar and Hazard) will be too much for the Shakhtar defence as the game plays out. Prediction: Shakhtar 1 - 3 Chelsea.
Barcelona vs Celtic (7.45, tonight). Both are sitting pretty on the top of their league tables. And both scored 5 goals away from home in their last domestic fixture. However, whilst Celtic maanged to keep a clean sheet in that game, the Spaniards let in four on Saturday. Now, you may say, that fairs well for the Scottish side. But one can not ignore the immense task that lays ahead of them. Barcelona are still considered by many as the greatest club team ever. Celtic may be able to upset their opponents with their spirit but we believe Barca's skill will come through on top. Prediction: Barcelona 4 - 1 Celtic
Man United vs Braga (7.45, tonight). Manchester United play at Old Trafford tonight against their Portuguese opponents. So far in the competition, the Manchester side have set about erasing last seasons disappointing performance from any memory with impressive displays. They have an enforced attack with the wildly talented RVP making an instant impact. Braga are currently third in the Portuguese league, behind Benfica and FC Porto. We expect an efficient display from Sir Alex's men tonight. Prediction: Man United 2 - 0 Bragra
Arsenal vs Schalke 04 (7.45, Wednesday). Arsene Wenger saw his side lose against Norwich at the weekend, after an uncharacteristic performance (that's a nice way of putting). So Arsenal will want to put their season but on track and return to winning ways, but we expect that is going to be easier said than done. Their German opponents are definitely no push overs and effieciency is key to their game- something Arsenal's attacking wizards have struggled against in the past. This is going to be a tight one... Prediction: Arsenal 1 - 1 Schalke 04
Ajax vs Man City (7.45, Wednesday). And here we have the dreaded 'Group of Death' match up. Mancini's men suffered a heartbreaking loss against Madrid in this season's best Champions League game, so far. Ajax, as we all know, are Champions of the Netherlands and have some real talent amongst their ranks. We predict that this one is going to be a high scoring nail-biter again. The question we ask is, after last weekend's enthralling game against West Brom, how much more can the City faithful's hearts take? Prediction: Ajax 2 - 3 Man City
