PSG on crutches for UCL opener

Champions League action in Europe got underway in earnest last night as the league phase kicked off, and while it is still far too early to pick a possible winner, there are clubs with excellent early form after just the opening six weeks of the new season.

- By Mark Gleeson

A number of matches tonight and tomorrow offer some intrigue, as well as possible upsets. Ajax Amsterdam, for example, are worth backing for home success against Inter Milan and Chelsea to win away at German champions Bayern Munich.

Newcastle United will not be many pundits' pick to beat Barcelona tomorrow, but they, too, are worth tipping for victory in an intimidating atmosphere at St James' Park.

Champions League holders Paris St Germain posted a handy win over Racing Lens in Ligue 1 at the weekend but suffered another three injuries, adding to a calamitous list of players sidelined already.