theScore's comprehensive predictions for the 2015-16 Champions League campaign

With the new Champions League campaign finally here, theScore has called upon its footy editors to predict which clubs and players will have a season to remember, and which others will be left with nothing but the cold, lonely feeling of disappointment.

Champions League winner (and finalist)

Gianluca Nesci: This is the year for Pep Guardiola's Bayern Munich. The German juggernaut has been stricken by injuries, bad luck and the greatness of Lionel Messi (RIP Jerome Boateng) in recent years with the Spaniard at the helm, but the additions of Douglas Costa and Arturo Vidal will be enough to push what is the most talented squad on the planet to Champions League glory. In poetic fashion, the win will come at the expense of Barcelona.

Carlo Campo: Barcelona. For the first time since 1989-90, a reigning champion will successfully defend its title.

Gordon Brunt: In what could be the final chapter of Pep Guardiola’s time in Germany, Bayern Munich will send him off with the highest achievement in club football next May when it captures its first Champions League crown under the Spanish boss. With a world class player seemingly at every position, the wealth of depth throughout the squad will benefit Bayern when it needs to offset the usual injuries that come with simultaneously competing in multiple tournaments. Whether Guardiola leaves or not, an expected date with Barcelona, and subsequent victory, has the makings of being a legendary tilt remembered for generations.

Biggest Disappointment

Nesci: Paris Saint-Germain. The French club is loaded with talent across the pitch, and is expected to do big things this season after another summer of lavish expenditure. But with Real Madrid the favourite to top Group A, PSG could find itself in big trouble should the draw for the knockout stage be unkind, and offer up a Round of 16 meeting with one of the European elite.

Campo: Manchester United. All the hype surrounding the club's return to the Champions League will be brought to an end immediately as the Red Devils crash out in the group stage.

Brunt: A scenario where Manchester United’s brand of football translates to the Champions League could see its return to Europe’s biggest stage end prematurely. Louis van Gaal’s side will need to apply a more direct style rather than the cross-field approach that’s seen them – with the exception of its Liverpool triumph - barely scrape past Premier League opponents. While United will likely make it out of the group stage, an early exit in the Round of 16 will spell the end for the long-awaited return as the focus shifts towards league play and getting back next year.

Surprise Team

Nesci: Atletico Madrid. Is that cheating? Maybe. But even after reaching the Champions League final and coming within seconds of hoisting the title two years ago, I can't help but feel as though Diego Simeone and company don't get the respect they deserve. That will change, once and for all, this season.

Campo: VfL Wolfsburg. Having signed Julian Draxler to fill the void left by Kevin De Bruyne, the club that no one wanted to draw from Pot 4 will take care of PSV Eindhoven, United, and CSKA Moscow.

Brunt: Lumped in one of the easier groups of the tournament, Lyon has a chance for an extended run in its first appearance in the Champions League since 2010’s semi-final loss to Bayern Munich. While Alexandre Lacazette hasn’t found the back of the net through four Ligue 1 games, France’s top scorer last year will find his touch and propel Lyon into the knockout stage in a forgiving group that includes Valencia, Zenit St Petersburg and KAA Gent.

Top Scorer

Nesci: Robert Lewandowski. The primary striker on the best team in the tournament, the Polish star will be aided by the fact that Bayern will feast on a pair of cupcake teams in the group stage.

Campo: Neymar. He was one of three players to tally 10 goals the last time around, and he'll improve on that number as Barcelona coasts through the first stages of the competition.

Brunt: Cristiano Ronaldo. It should be another goal-fest between the world’s two greatest players, yet Ronaldo will edge Lionel Messi for the scoring title and the tournament’s all-time lead after another mind-blowing display this season. Even though his team might finish behind its La Liga foes, Ronaldo will pierce the net more frequently and pull away while Barcelona’s absurdly talented array of forwards could hinder the scoring race. Messi likely won’t mind, though, if spreading the wealth leads to a second straight title.

Best Player

Nesci: Lionel Messi. I rest my case.

Campo: Neymar. This Champions League campaign will see the Brazilian superstar establish himself, for the first time, as the driving force behind a title won by the Catalan club.

Brunt: Thomas Muller. His combination of vision and threat in front of goal will see the Bayern Munich forward standout as the best player after a long journey in the tournament.

Most Excited About

Nesci: ... being able to belt out the Champions League tune at the top of my lungs and not have people stare at me like I have three heads. I'm serious.

Campo: ... Watching all the fixtures involving a player or manager visiting his former club. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will return to Malmo, Memphis Depay will go back to PSV, and Jose Mourinho will take the touchline at Porto.

Brunt: ... seeing if an unexpected team makes a deep run, rather than the usual group of elite teams that pundits pick year-after-year to advance far in the competition. It was Juventus last year, while Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund preceded the Italians with surprise appearances in two finals before. So, who will it be this season? While there’s a good chance one won’t emerge, every neutral loves to get behind a team capable of an upset. When their own team is out, of course. Look for either VfL Wolfsburg, Arsenal or Roma to possibly be this year’s unexpected team to join the elite in May.