Arsenal have been drawn to play Celtic in the Champions League Qualifiers for a place in the lucrative group stages.

Celtic, following their victory over Dinamo Moscow earlier this week, face the daunting task of Arsene Wenger's men.

It is the first time the two clubs will meet in European competition and the prize will be a path to the lucrative stage of the competition.

"They would have wanted to avoid each other," said former Celtic and Arsenal striker Charlie Nicholas.

"But Celtic fans would be happy because after their last two games they would fancy playing anyone. It was a very good performance in Russia.

"For Arsenal, the concern is the lack of players they've brought in and injuries. I think it will be very tight."

Former Arsenal captain and Scotland international Frank McLintock believes the Gunners must show no fear in the first leg at Celtic Park.

Glasgow-born McLintock supported the Bhoys as a youngster, but would go on to guide Arsenal to their Inter-Cities Fairs Cup final win in 1970, and then help the English club to secure a domestic double the following season.

McLintock, 69, believes Arsenal should put on a strong showing to secure a result to defend back at Emirates Stadium.

He told Press Association Sport: "It will be a cracking tie because the Celtic supporters are so noisy and passionate.

"But if you are going to get anywhere in these types of competitions, we never used to worry about whether we were playing away from home first or not.

"There seems to be a lot of talk about that in modern day football, but I do not know why because it never entered our minds.

"We just gave our best in every performance, played it tight and tried to attack when we could."

McLintock, though, stressed: "Arsenal will have to be on their toes because Celtic have got a great home record over the years, but it was their away record, until the other day, which was one of the worst in Europe."

The play-offs were divided into two groups, with Lyon's clash against Anderlecht among the "non-champions" ties. Romanian side Timisoara face Stuttgart, Sporting Lisbon and Fiorentina will play each other, while Panathinaikos or Atletico Madrid will make up the other teams that go through.

From the "champions" route, FC Sheriff play Olympiacos, Salzburg are up against Maccabi Haifa, FK Ventspils face FC Zurich, FC Copenhagen and APOEL of Nicosia face each other, with Levski Sofia and Debrecen the final two teams.

ESPNSTAR.com brings you the fixtures for the match that will be played on August 18 and 19, with the return leg on the 25^th and 26^th later this month.

Non-Champions Route

Olympique Lyonnais vs RSC Anderlect

Celtic FC vs Arsenal FC

FC Timisoara vs VfB Stuttgart

Sporting Clube de Portugal vs ACF Fiorentina

Panathinaikos FC vs Club Atlético de Madrid

Champions Route

FC Sheriff vs Olympiacos CFP

FC Salzburg vs Maccabi Haifa FC

FK Ventspils vs FC Zü

FC København v APOEL FC

PFC Levski Sofia vs Debreceni VSC