Tottenham Hotspur do appear to be the strongest team on paper in group E at the UEFA Champions League this year. But given their nature of bottling in key competitions, the crowd at Wembley might just add to the expectations and result in the North Londoners falling short. Spurs may be the current favourites for being the team from England.

However, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco and CSKA Moscow will put in their best. This is one group where each of the team has an equal chance of qualifying. Not just in probability but also in terms of the quality they have and their determination. This group can be termed as a “Group of Death” of sorts.

Predicted Finish: Bayer Leverkusen (1), Tottenham Hotspur (2), Monaco (3) and CSKA Moscow (4).

Clubs

Bayer Leverkusen

Leverkusen has been one of the most consistent sides in the Bundesliga in recent times, having established themselves ahead of VFL Wolfsburg, Schalke in Germany. They have been fairly regular in competing against the best of Europe in the last few years. However, they have failed more often in going beyond the group stages since making it to the finals in 2001-02.

Leverkusen will hope to see Javier Hernandez strike some magic for them in the competition to see them through. While a solid performance from the goalkeeper Bernd Leno, is likely to add weight to their claims.

Their objective in this year’s campaign too would be to ensure themselves through to the knock-outs.

Last season: UEFA Champions League group stage/UEFA Europa League round of 16

Best performance: Runners-up (2001/02)

CSKA Moscow

CSKA Moscow is undoubtedly the best team in Russia. But, in Europe they have struggled to make their mark. The manager Leonid Slutski will be optimistic about the chances in such an evenly matched group.

Having sold last season’s top scorer Ahmed Musa to the Premier League Champions, CSKA may not appear as sharp as they were. The team will rely heavily on striker Lacina Traore (on loan from Monaco) and winger Alan Dzagoev to score goals and lead the team through.

Last season: UEFA Champions League group stage

Best European Cup performance: Quarter-finals (2009/10)

Monaco

Monaco is the second best team in all of France behind only the all-conquering Paris Saint Germain. The return of inspirational Colombian striker Radamel Falcao in the line-up is as much a cause of joy as much it is a sign of worry.

Falcao has been on an English misadventure for the past two seasons, failing to seal regular playing spot at either Manchester United or Chelsea. However, his return could also show signs of the fierce striker returning to form. Manager Leonardo Jardim would be happy with even a part of Falcao’s former self on the pitch for the French club.

Last season: UEFA Champions League play-offs/UEFA Europa League group stage

Best European Cup performance: Runners-up (2003/04)

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs make a return to Europe’s elite club football competition after a span of five seasons. They were a favourite to win the Premier League last season with their North London neighbours suffering from poor form. However, Tottenham Hotspur choked toward the business end losing title hopes but managed to seal the Champions League position.

The small squad and the pressure of Wembley is not ideal for Pochettino’s men. However, they will look to make the most of it.

Last season: UEFA Europa League round of 16

Best European Cup performance: Semi-finals (1961/62)

Key fixtures

It is believed that it is difficult to beat a German team in Germany. Arsenal have done it, Chelsea did it in the Champions League final. But, can Spurs also do it?

Visiting Bayer Leverkusen in the third week is likely to determine who leads the group. Group E may not have much glamour to offer, but it will sure as hell provide the breath-taking excitement for the loyalists of the sport.