The Champions League is back, and what better way to celebrate than by signing up for ESPN's brand new fantasy game.

Not sure who to have in your eight-man team? No problem, we've enlisted the help of ESPN FC senior writer Gab Marcotti to pick out a player from each of the tiers.

Play ESPN Fantasy Soccer Pick your eight-man team and compete in Major League Soccer, Premier League, La Liga or Liga MX. Then go head-to-head in leagues against your friends or people around the world. Sign up for free!

Check out our detailed breakdown of the scoring system to make sure you're picking your team with this in mind. Get your mates involved ahead of Matchday 1 and fill up a league before the big kickoff.

But don't worry if you don't get started this week. You can start whenever you want -- and that applies not only to our Champions League game but to the Premier League, La Liga and Liga MX too.

Each matchday, you'll submit a new team, or you can actually stick with the same eight -- but only if they are still in the same tiers. So make sure you're always checking ahead of the matchday and selecting the best team to beat your rival each week.

Let's take a look at who Gab has picked for the first matchday. And, just as importantly, why.

This is what Gab had to say:

Tier 1 forward -- Lionel Messi: It's Messi ... Against PSV ... Come on now ...

Tier 2 forward -- Romelu Lukaku: There could be a lot of points on the table as Manchester United go to Young Boys. Lukaku may well be physically too strong and be among the goals. What a pick from this tier, though.

Tier 1 midfielder -- Philippe Coutinho: PSV have started well in the Eredivisie with a 100 percent record, but Coutinho is pretty well suited to this opponent and Barcelona are at home. I'm making him my captain, too.

Tier 2 midfielder -- Jesse Lingard: The Man United midfielder is an effective performer on the road and could do well in Switzerland. Not many will think of picking him.

Tier 3 midfielder -- Yacine Brahimi: A player for Porto who so often flies under the radar. Schalke could be vulnerable, and he's a smart pick from this tier. He scored against Monaco in the group stage last season.

Tier 1 defender -- Giorgio Chiellini: Valencia have issues right now, having yet to win in La Liga, while Juve are all-in on the Champions League. I'd expect him to start and get some points.

Tier 2 defender -- Kamil Glik: I see a tight, defensive game. Monaco defender Glik might even get you something at the other end, too, against Atletico Madrid.

Goalkeeper -- Alisson: -- Yeah, it's big and scary Paris Saint-Germain, but Liverpool have defended well so far this season. And as PSG are going to attack, there's a chance to score a ton of points.