Champions League group stage watchability rankings

MADRID, SPAIN - AUGUST 27: Players of Real Madrid pose for a photo with their 2016/2017 Champions League, La Liga and Bernabeu trophies ahead of La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Valencia at Santiago Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain on August 27, 2017. (Photo by Burak Akbulut/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images) /

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26th August 2017, Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, England; EPL Premier League football, Bournemouth versus Manchester City; Sergio Aguero of Manchester City brings the ball forward (Photo by Mark Kerton/Action Plus via Getty Images) /

5. Group F: Shakhtar Donetsk, Feyenoord, Manchester City, Napoli

Group F doesn’t feature any clubs that can hold a candle to Manchester United at the moment, but the group should be more competitive than Group A. Manchester City will be favorites, but should receive a decent challenge from Napoli, who finished third in Serie A last season, and Dutch champions Feyenoord. Also, Ukrainian champs Shakhtar Donestk are in this group.

City are tied for second most points (seven) in the Premier League and currently sit in fourth place. Most are familiar with their stars: Sergio Aguero, Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva, Vincent Kompany. Young Brazilian Gabriel Jesus has become a featured forward and they added three full-backs for a crap-ton of money.

Napoli feature a pair of 30-year-olds in Marek Hamsik and Dries Mertens that certainly help the watchability of Group F. More often than not, they will have a say in the outcome on their club’s matches. They both possess the ability to provide a moment of magic and they score goals.

The Italian club has consistently competed in Europe over the last 10 years. Napoli should be able to hold off Feyenoord for second place in Group F at the least. Their matches against Manchester City will be appointment viewing. How each defense deals with the myriad attacking options from both sides will be very interesting to watch.

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