Celtic and Rangers confirm Europa League fixtures
Celtic and Rangers have confirmed their fixtures for the Europa League group stages.
The draw took place on Friday afternoon with Celtic being placed in a group alongside RB Leipzig, FC Salzburg and Rosenborg, while Rangers face Villarreal, Rapid Wien and Spartak Moscow.
Celtic get their campaign underway at Celtic Park with their fifth meeting with Norwegian champions Rosenborg in just over a year. Rangers start with a trip to Spain to face Villarreal.
Celtic’s fixtures:
20 September – Rosenborg (H) 8pm
October 4 – Salzburg (A) 5:55pm
October 25 – RB Leipzig (A) 5:55pm
November 8 – Leipzig (H) 8pm
November 29 – Rosenborg (A) 5:55pm
December 13 – Salzburg (H) 8pm
Rangers’ fixtures:
20 September - Villarreal (A)
October 4 - Rapid Wien (H)
October 25 - Spartak Moscow (H)
November 8 - Spartak Moscow (A)
November 29 - Villarreal (H)
December 13 - Rapid Wien (A)
Europa League participation means a number of league fixtures will move to the Sunday.
Celtic have already announced the changes to their schedule:
October 7 - St Johnstone (A)
October 28 - Motherwell (H)
November 11 - Livingston (A)
December 2 - St Johnstone (H)
December 16 - Hibs (A)
Rangers will likely see the following changes:
October 7 - Hearts (H)
October 28 - Hibs (A)
November 11 - Motherwell (H)
December 2 - Hearts (A)
December 16 - Hamilton (H)
An issue arises with the Betfred Cup. If both sides were to reach the semi-final there would be an interesting situation for the SPFL to sort out with the fixtures taking place at Hampden Park on the weekend of 27-28 October. Both sides are in Europa League action on 25 October.