WHICH CLUB HOLD ALL THE ACES? Will Kelleher’s guide to European

HARLEQUINS WASPS LA ROCHELLE ULSTER

Last year’s quarter-finalists Wasps are joined by Ulster, who haven’t escaped the group since 2014. Quins are back after a three-year absence and La Rochelle make their bow with English fly-half Ryan Lamb and All Blacks Tawera Kerr-Barlow and Victor Vito.

Player to watch: Charles Piutau — It may be the last time you see the All Black on this stage for a while as he leaves Ulster for Bristol next year. Oct 13: Ulster v Wasps (7.45pm, BT Sport). 14: H’quins v La Rochelle (5.30pm, Sky Sports).

CLERMONT SARACENS NORTHAMPTON OSPREYS

This group hardly rewards Saracens for lifting back-to-back European Cups. All trips to Clermont and the Massif-Central will be, well, massive. As well as the champions, the yellow army will greet Ospreys, packed with Welsh Lions, and a resurgent Saints. It will go down to the wire.

Player to watch: Sam Davies — Ospreys’ talented all-court Welsh No 10 is pushing for Test selection. Oct Oct 15: Northampton v Saracens; Ospreys v Clermont (both 5.30pm, both BT Sport).

GLASGOW EXETER MONTPELLIER LEINSTER

English champions, Irish royalty, Scottish dazzlers and a wealthy French side. Montpellier, owned by billionaire Mohed Altrad are a coming force, with Louis Picamoles and Nemani Nadolo. If Exeter make it out, it will be some achievement.

Player to watch: Aaron Cruden — Beauden Barrett and Dan Carter’s No 2 for years, the All Black could lead Montpellier all the way to the final. Oct 14: Leinster v Montpellier (1pm, Sky Sports), Exeter v Glasgow (7.45pm, BT Sport). POOL 4

MUNSTER LEICESTER RACING 92 CASTRES

Munster, Leicester and Racing were all in the same pool last year — indeed this is the third year in a row the English and Irish heavyweights meet. Expect spine-tingling days at Thomond Park, bizarre results from the French pair and the annual debate about which Leicester will turn up.

Player to watch: Ben Tameifuna — You won’t be able to miss Racing’s Kiwi prop, as he is 22st! Oct 14: Racing 92 v Leicester (4.15pm, BT Sport). Oct 15: Castres v Munster (1pm, Sky Sports).