Bayern challenge for PSG

Neymar is set to return after a minor injury as Paris Saint-Germain aim to lay down a marker in Europe by getting the better of Bayern Munich in their heavyweight Champions League encounter on Wednesday.

The world’s most expensive player trained on Tuesday after missing the French giants’ weekend draw with Montpellier due to a toe problem, and he should start alongside Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani in attack at the Parc des Princes.

The Group B encounter in the French capital is unlikely to be decisive for the two sides in terms of qualification for the last 16, with both expected to advance at the expense of Celtic and Anderlecht.

But after both won the opening matchday, this game could be crucial in determining who ends up progressing as group winners. It also offers PSG the chance to test themselves against one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses in their biggest game since their humiliating 6-1 defeat in Barcelona last March that knocked them out in the last 16.

The implication is that the signings of Neymar and Mbappe -- on whom PSG have committed over 400 million euros ($471 million) on transfer fees -- have raised Unai Emery’s side to the next level after they failed to get beyond the Champions League quarter-finals in the last five campaigns.

If they do win a spot-kick, there will be no Manuel Neuer between the posts for Bayern, with the Germany number one out until January with a fractured foot.

Sven Ulreich will therefore start in goal for the visitors despite his clanger in last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg.

David Alaba and Thiago Alcantara are set to return and Arjen Robben trained on Tuesday after struggling with an ankle problem.

The game will be a special occasion for Bayern coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is back at the Parc des Princes for the first time since leaving PSG in 2013 after leading them to the Ligue 1 title.

Atletico welcome Chelsea

It may lack a final lick of paint but “it appears like the Circus Maximus,” crowed proud Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone at the special atmosphere already produced by his club’s new Wanda Metropolitano home.

The opening of the 68,000 capacity stadium marks heady days for a club that has traditionally lived in the shadow of neighbours Real Madrid, none more so in the Champions League in recent years.

Fears that Atletico’s form could slump due to the move in a manner suffered by the likes of West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur in recent times have been blown away by back-to-back wins over Malaga and Sevilla.

“When the fans shouted it was tremendous, down there it appears like the Circus Maximus,” said Simeone on Saturday.

In 23 Champions League home games under the Argentine, Atletico have won 18, lost only once and kept 18 clean sheets. Chelsea were one of the few sides to escape without defeat with a 0-0 draw in the semifinal, first leg between the sides in 2014. Atletico, though, had the final say as Simeone famously charged down the Stamford Bridge touchline in celebration during a 3-1 second leg win for the Spaniards.

A fiery atmosphere could be fuelled even further by the presence of Diego Costa in the stands fresh from ending his standoff with Chelsea to force through a return to Atletico. Costa can’t play until January, but his move for a club record fee is a further sign that Atletico feel they now belong among Europe’s elite.

Griezmann and co will be charged with providing the spectacle on Wednesday to ensure the Wanda’s European bow isn’t a damp squib.

Fixtures: Manchester United vs CSKA Moscow; FC Basel vs Benfica; Anderlecht vs Celtic; Juventus vs Olympiacos; PSG vs Bayern Munich; Atlético Madrid vs Chelsea; Sporting Lisbon vs Barcelona.