Champions League predictions for Tuesday’s games: Frustration for Arsenal but Real Madrid and Spurs to make winning starts

The Champions League returns this week. Lights down, cue the music…

For the first two matchweeks of the league phase, the action is spread over three nights, meaning more opportunity for fans to get to watch the cream of the continent.

Here, we cast our eye over Tuesday’s action and offer some thoughts as to what might happen.

Two sides that have won three from four in their domestic leagues go head to head in what should be a fantastic atmosphere at San Mames.

Arsenal appear better equipped than last season when they reached the semi-finals. Their summer recruitment means more strength in depth while they also possess a centre-forward in Viktor Gyokeres who has already proved he can do it on the biggest stage.

Athletic played in the Europa League last season and also reached the last four before going down surprisingly easily to Manchester United.

They lost at home to Alaves at the weekend and will be desperate to get off to a good start in Europe but we can’t see the Gunners returning home empty-handed.