The Battle of Britain Initiates: Arsenal to Face Scottish Side Celtic

The draw for the Champions League playoff round has been made. Arsenal will face the Scottish side Celtic to decide who will proceed to the group stages of the tournament.

Earlier this season, Arsenal had the chance to test themselves against another Scottish side in the Emirates Cup; this time they are facing Rangers’ fierce rivals—Celtic, but they will be playing for much higher stakes.

The sides have never met before in an official match.

Here are some statistics for both clubs:

Celtic

Domestic achievements: 42 times winner of the Scottish Premier League, 34 times winner of the Scottish Cup, 14 times winner of the Scottish League Cup

International achievements: one time winner of the European Cup—1967

Manager: Tony Mowbray

Last season’s standings in the Scottish League: second

Last season’s top goal scorer: Scott McDonald—16 goals

Key players: Gary Caldwell, Scott Brown

Average age of the squad: 26.23 years

Arsenal

Domestic achievements: 13 times winner of the FA Premier League, 10 times winner of the FA Cup, two times winner of the League Cup, 12 times winner of the FA Community Shield.

International achievements: one time winners of European Winners’ Cup—1994, one time winners of Inner-Cities Fair Cup—1970.

Manager: Arsene Wenger

Last season’s standings in the FA Premier League: fourth

Last season’s top goal scorer: Robin van Persie—11

Key players: Cesc Fabregas, Robin van Persie

Average age of the squad: 22.8 years

The matches will be played on August 18, when Arsenal is travelling to Glasgow, and on August 26, the Gunners are hosting Celtic at the Emirates Stadium.