Borussia Dortmund (GER)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 10
How they qualified: 4th in Bundesliga
Best European Cup performance: winners (1996/97)
In a nutshell: Rebuilding under Lucien Favre – their third coach in 12 months – having failed last season to progress from the group stage for the first time since 2011/12. Will be hoping the likes of Manuel Akanji and Jadon Sancho replicate their impressive domestic form on the UEFA Champions League stage.
Porto (POR)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 11
How they qualified: Portuguese Liga champions
Best European Cup performance: winners x2 (most recently 2003/04)
In a nutshell: Ended a five-year wait for the Liga title last term while also reaching the round of 16 for a second consecutive season. Sérgio Conceição’s squad appear settled and experienced in the European arena so they should be hopeful of going further this time around.
Manchester United (ENG)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 12
How they qualified: 2nd in Premier League
Best European Cup performance: winners x3 (most recently 2007/08)
In a nutshell: Last season secured their highest league finish since 2012/13 but were stunned by Sevilla in the round of 16. José Mourinho has had two years to mould the team in his image and this season could be the crossroads where United either make a UEFA Champions League breakthrough or continue playing second fiddle in their own city.
Shakhtar Donetsk (UKR)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 14
How they qualified: Ukrainian Premier League champions
Best European Cup performance: quarter-finals (2010/11)
In a nutshell: Shakhtar have made it past the round of 16 just once and fell at that hurdle again last term. Paulo Fonseca has successfully taken the baton from long-term coach Mircea Lucescu over the past two campaigns but can they go further, especially now that Fred and Facundo Ferreyra have both departed?
Benfica (POR)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 15
How they qualified: 2nd in Portuguese Liga, play-off winners
Best European Cup performance: winners x2 (most recently 1961/62)
In a nutshell: Having featured in ten UEFA competition finals, including seven in the European Cup, Benfica endured a difficult group stage last year with six defeats. They are back for another go, though, having beaten Fenerbahçe and PAOK in qualifying and strengthened with the likes of Nicolás Castillo and Facundo Ferreyra.
Napoli (ITA)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 17
How they qualified: 2nd in Serie A
Best European Cup performance: round of 16 x2 (most recently 2016/17)
In a nutshell: New coach Carlo Ancelotti has won this competition three times and has a squad at his disposal that racked up an incredible 91 points in Serie A last season. Combine the two and the Partenopei must believe they can improve on last term’s group-stage exit and even their tournament-best round of 16 elimination.
Tottenham Hotspur (ENG)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 19
How they qualified: 3rd in English Premier League
Best European Cup performance: semi-finals (1961/62)
In a nutshell: Transferred their Premier League form to the UEFA Champions League stage last autumn with a group-stage high 16 points, including four against eventual champions Real Madrid. Mauricio Pochettino has retained all his key players but can they finally deliver the tangible success they have promised under his stewardship?
Roma (ITA)
UEFA coefficient ranking (end of 2017/18): 21
How they qualified: 3rd in Serie A
Best European Cup performance: runners-up (1983/84)
In a nutshell: The Monchi revolution is gathering pace. The Giallorossi’s sporting director has overseen a sizeable summer recruitment drive, with nine players signed even before the start of July. Expect more from Cengiz Ünder and plenty of zip from new signings Ante Ćorić and Justin Kluivert.
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