Dietmar Hamann counts Manchester City and Newcastle among the top-level stops he made in his two decade career in professional football, and it's those two clubs that he feels could make the biggest impact in the ongoing Champions League campaign.
"Didi" feels those two sides have the best chance at challenging for the title out of the four English clubs currently competing in the group stage, with Newcastle perhaps the most dangerous of the quartet.
"Manchester City remain the benchmark in the Champions League," Hamann said. "We'll see if United get out of the group, but I can't see them getting past the quarters.
"I can't see Arsenal getting past the semis, and if Newcastle get out of the group, they could be a dark horse. City can win it, of course, but I don't think that about United or Arsenal.
"I think Newcastle are a team who, if they reach the quarters, nobody will want to play if they've got a fit squad."
Hamann was speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Champions League odds, and the former Germany international expanded on his thoughts about the Magpies, who are back in the Champions League after several years away from the continental competition."I don't think Newcastle need any more motivation!" he said. "They haven't been in the Champions League for so long.
"It's great to see them there, and the atmosphere against PSG was something else. They're so emotional and fanatical, and the fans crave success. It's great to see them back."