Arsenal could face PSV or Fenerbahce in Champions League play-off... but Celtic have it easy

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By AfricCon Blog - Arsenal could face PSV or Fenerbahce in Champions League play-off... but Celtic have it easy

UEFA president Michel Platini's desire to see more domestic title-holders in the Champions League leaves Arsenal facing a tough task to qualify for the group stages.

League winners such as Celtic are kept apart from non-league winners like Arsenal, with five places each up for grabs in the 'champions' and 'non-champions' routes.

Both Arsenal and Celtic are seeded for Friday's draw in Nyon, meaning that they have the perceived advantage of playing their second legs at home.

Arsenal, however, could face the tough prospect of playing off against Champions League veterans PSV Eindhoven or Fenerbahce, while Spanish side Real Sociedad would also be a tricky opponent.

Metalist Kharkiv of Ukraine and Pacos de Ferreira of Portugal would represent more favourable draws for the Gunners.

Celtic, meanwhile, will face one of Austria Vienna (Austria), Legia Warsaw (Poland), Maribor (Slovenia), Ludogorets Razgrad (Bulgaria) and Shakhter Karagandy (Kazakhstan).