An interesting group to say the least, group A consists of French Champions Paris Saint Germain, English heavyweights Arsenal, Swiss Champions FC Basel and Bulgarian Champions Ludogorets Razgrad. The group promises to be exciting with PSG and Arsenal clear favorites to clear the group. Basel and Ludogorets however can surprise a few.

Predicted finish: Arsenal (1), PSG (2), FC Basel (3) and Ludogorets (4).

Clubs

Paris Saint Germain

PSG are no doubt an extremely strong team. Their financial power and squad quality are also what set them apart. There are however questions raised against their performances in Europe. PSG have never won the Champions League. While having a capable squad, they always seem to fall short in the quarters or semis. Difficult draws have also troubled PSG but for a team with such a huge transfer budget, more is expected. 

PSG’s squad has world class players like Angel Di Maria and Thiago Silva. Unai Emery has also brought in the solid Grzegorz Krychowiak to shield a defense with the experienced Thiago Silva. Pace on the wings and talented full-backs paired with the dynamism of the likes of Javier Pastore make PSG a daunting prospect. They also possess the ability to change their style of play based on opponents.

Unai Emery has only been recently appointed and may take time to settle in. The biggest questions however are being raised about the rather large boots to fill of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Following his move to Manchester, PSG seem to have lost the X-Factor. Cavani is a good forward no doubt but Ibrahimovic certainly can change a game on his own. Angel Di Maria is definitely the one, PSG will rely heavily on. His skill and flair could make the difference on many occasions.

Last season: UEFA Champions League quarter-finals

Best performance: semi-finals (1994/95)

Arsenal

Arsenal are an odd team to say the least. A talented squad, beautiful football, yet the same mistakes year after year. The Gunners have never won the Champions League but were finalists in 2006. They will be looking to better their disappointing record of last 16 exits and should therefore aspire to top the group.

Arsenal no doubt play beautiful football. They also possess a well rounded squad with a mix of experience, youth and all round talent. In Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, the Gunners have two genuinely world class players while Laurent Koscielny has evolved into a top center back. The addition of Shkodran Mustafi will also bring defensive solidity while Granit Xhaka and Santi Cazorla are excellent at playmaking from the deep.

Defensive problems and weak mentality. Two problems associated with Arsenal for the last decade or so. Arsenal often switch off and give opponents space to operate. Furthermore, when faced with high pressing, seem incapable to adapt and change their style of play. Arsenal for me, rely too much on possession. They are also weak in dealing with dead ball situations. Most important is the necessity to play with calmness and not panic. The Monaco meltdown was one such game where Arsenal were not clinical enough and were punished.

Alexis Sanchez will shoulder the responsibility of scoring most of Arsenal’s goals. His influence on the wings are vital for the Gunners.

Last season: UEFA Champions League round of 16

Best performance: Runners-up (2005/06)

FC Basel 

FC Basel are the Swiss Champions and look favorites for the Europa League spot. They could also surprise a few and qualify for the last 16, as seen when they beat Chelsea a few years ago.

Pacey and good on the counter, Basel could pick out possession teams like Arsenal and PSG using the pace of Seydou Doumbia. They are also capable of adopting a more direct approach and could easily make a statement in the group.

Lack of world class players. Basel, to simply put, look unlikely to compete with the likes of Arsenal and PSG. Their players may be talented but doubts remain whether they can match heavyweights of Europe.

Seydou Doumbia will be vital to score goals for the Swiss side. His pace and power could be elements Basel can utilize well.

Last season: UEFA Europa League round of 16

Best performance: Quarter-finals (1973/74)

Ludogorets Razgrad

Ludogorets are the best team in Bulgaria. Their best performance in European competitions was a last 16 appearance in the Europa League. They are also the only Bulgarian team to play in the Champions League after Levski Sofia.

Relatively unknown, Ludogorets could surprise a few with the element of Brazilian flair. The Bulgarians also play fast football and set pieces could make a difference.

Again like Basel, Ludogorets do not possess the world class players to compete with bigger clubs. It would be a great achievement if the Bulgarians managed to take a Europa League spot.

Svetoslav Dyakov, the club captain, will bring experience to the side and will be entrusted with carving out chances for his teammates.

Last season: UEFA Champions League second qualifying round

Best performance: Group stage (2014/15)

Key fixture

PSG vs Arsenal, Parc De Princes 

If Arsenal were to snatch an away win in Paris, it would no doubt galvanize the squad. More importantly PSG will find it necessary to win at home to have a good chance of topping the group. This is also the first fixture of the group and could set the tone for the rest of the group stage for both sides.