CELTIC will have to go through qualifiers as usual to gain entry into the Champions League but the first three ties will be different this year. Instead of two-legged ties, UEFA have decided these will be one-off knockout games instead. The only round which will have two legs will be the playoff round if the club can make it that far. It means instead of eight games to make it to the Champions League Group stages, there will only be five for the bhoys to play if they can make it all the way.

This had it’s good and bad points. Celtic’s away day performances have always been a cause for concern and in a one-off game away from home the bhoys could be subject to a shock. The Lincoln Red Imps game being a reminder of what can happen.

Celtic will be seeded throughout the competition but that guarantees us very little. It will be up to Neil Lennon and his team to be ready for the task at hand. The good thing is, this year, Celtic’s league will have already kicked off by the time the first leg rolls around, handing the bhoys a better advantage. Usually, Celtic are still going through their pre-season and that time and are a little rusty – this shouldn’t be the case when the Champions League qualifiers get going.

Champions League 20/21 calendar in full

Preliminary round: August 8 and 11

Qualifying round one draw: August 9

Qualifying round two draw: August 10

First qualifying round: August 18 and 19

Second qualifying round: August 25 and 26

Third qualifying round draw – August 31

Playoff draw – September 1

Third qualifying round: September 15 and 16

Playoffs: September 22 and 23 and 29 and 30

Group stage draw: October 1

Group stage: October 20 and 21 and 27 and 28

November 3 and 4 and 24 and 25

December 1 and 2 and 8 and 9