NEWS ON MONDAY stated that due to Russia’s ban from European football, Celtic will be guaranteed Champions League group stage football next season, if they win the league.
It’s great news for Celtic. The cash injection will certainly help Celtic this summer as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of competing in Europe’s elite competition. It will also give that Parkhead club a bigger pull of players, with players desperate to represent themselves at the highest level.
However, due to the World Cup being held during the playing season in November, the Champions League is set to run almost every week. Meaning Celtic will face a tiresome league football and European football schedule. However, the international break does split this up after matchday two of the competition.
Here are the dates Celtic will play; [UEFA]
Matchday 1 – September 6/7
Matchday 2 – September 13/14
International break
Matchday 3 – October 4/5
Matchday 4 – October 11/12
Matchday 5 – October 25/26
Matchday 6 – November 1/2
The SPFL is starting in July to accommodate Qatar 2022, so players should be up to scratch for the competition’s start.
Celtic will have the luxury of a full, uninterrupted pre-season to get their squad together. Over the past ten years, critical qualifiers so early in the season have been very difficult.
