GROUP LOWDOWN

CELTIC have hardly been given an easy time of it when it comes to their group. Here is what you need to know about their opponents.

SPARTA PRAGUE

The Czechs reached the quarter-finals in 2016 then the last 322 the following year. But Sparta haven’t won a tie in Europe in the last three seasons, having been dumped out by Red Star Belgrade, Spartak Subotica and Trabzonspor in qualifying.

A trip to Prague would have been high on the wishlist but Hoops fans will almost certainly have to miss out this time around with restrictions unlikely to easy any time soon. Star man: Libor Kozak Previous meetings: Never played against each other in a competitive contest but Brendan Rodgers’ side earned a 1-0 win in a pre-season friendly in 2018.

Current form: LWWWW

AC MILAN

The biggest name in the draw, with the two teams having faced each other in the Champions League last 16 back in 2007. The seven-time European Cup winners have not won Serie A since 2011 but appear to be on the rise again thanks to Stefano Pioli. They finished last season brilliantly and have begun this league campaign with back-to-back wins.

They are keen admirers of Celtic defender Kristoffer Ajer and have weighed up a potential move since the start of the year. Star man: Zlatan Ibrahimovic Previous meetings: Have played eight games over the past 20 years. Celtic have only won once but been excellent on all four visits to Milan.

Current form: WWWWW

LILLE

The French cracks were gutted to miss out on Champions League qualifying after Ligue 1 was called. And they have moved to remedy that setback by spending big this summer, including £30million on Canada international Jonathan David.

They also came in for Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos, although interest has cooled.

Formula One chief Gerard Lopez, who reportedly owns one of the most expensive car collections in the world, continues to bankroll a squad packed with experience and skill. Star man: Jose Fonte

Previous meetings: None Current form: DWWDW