The Champions League group stage swings back into action tonight — and we have all bases covered.

Each fixture is previewed in detail, with a particular focus on Manchester United and Chelsea.

With Lionel Messi ruled out of Paris-Saint Germain's trip to RB Leipzig, we look at the former Barcelona talisman's struggles in the French capital.

We also delve deep into the top managers currently available now that sacking season is in full swing.  

Champions League drama

The battle to advance to the knockout phase of the Champions League continues tonight. 

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer received a welcome boost as Manchester United thumped Tottenham 3-0 last Saturday but the under-fire Norwegian still has a lot of work to do in Europe. 

United will want to build on that morale-boosting victory by winning at Atalanta and their jam-packed schedule could see some lesser-used stars get the nod in Italy. 

Chelsea are in good shape in the league and in Europe but are facing a potential crisis up front.

Strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner are both injured and Thomas Tuchel will be desperate to ensure the European champions remain on course without them. 

We name five strikers Chelsea could turn to in January as they seek to bring in cover for their main marksmen. 

PSG, meanwhile, must do without Messi when they head to RB Leipzig tomorrow.

The absence of the Champions League’s second-highest goalscorer will leave boss Mauricio Pochettino short up front. 

But while Poch mulls over his selection dilemma, we take a closer look at Messi's start to life in France after making the difficult decision to end his long-term association with Barcelona during the summer. 

Matches galore

While we are on the subject of the Champions League, be sure to check out our preview covering all eight of this evening's games. 

If it is team news, stats and quirky facts you are after, it really is the only article you will need before settling down to watch the drama unfold. 

And do not forget to check back later for match reports and reaction galore.

Sacking season

Yesterday spelled the end of Nuno Espirito Santo's short reign as Spurs boss and there are plenty of other managers in danger of the axe.

Dubbed sacking season, winter is often the time clubs look to change things up as they get cold feet over a downturn in form.

With that in mind, we turn the spotlight on the top five managers currently out of work who could step into a role soon.

Spurs turn to Conte

Spurs have already replaced Nuno with former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte. 

But how will the North Londoners line up under the Italian coach? 

You can also take a look at our list of the Premier League managers who appear most at risk in the sack race.

Transfer Talk

Amid the managerial merry-go-round, there is plenty of transfer gossip swirling around ahead of the January window.

Our latest Transfer Talk column focuses on how Conte could look to bring in up to SIX new faces as he looks to transform Spurs in 2022.