CELTIC set out on the long, bumpy road to the Champions League group stages this evening on the far-flung shores of Armenia.

Brendan Rodgers’ side must fight through four rounds if they are to reach the competition proper for the third year in a row, starting with tonight’s clash away to Alashkert.

A change to the qualifying format kicked in this summer to add an extra two-legged tie to Celtic’s schedule, but Rodgers has insisted they are fully prepared for what lies ahead.

Read more: Celtic will want to avoid making the news cycles for all the wrong reasons in Armenia​

The Armenians visit Glasgow for the second leg next Wednesday and if the Bhoys come out on top they will set up a second round meeting with Iceland’s Valur Reykjavik or Rosenborg of Norway.

Here is some of the key information ahead of tonight’s clash.

What time is kick-off?

The game is at 5pm BST, 8pm local time.

What is the Celtic team news?

Moussa Dembele starts alongside Odsonne Edouard in attack for Celtic, while skipper Scott Brown has recovered from a knock to line up in midfield.

He is joined by Olivier Ntcham and Callum McGregor, with Kieran Tierney and James Forrest providing width on the flanks in a likely 3-5-2 formation.

In defence, a back three of Jack Hendry, Kristoffer Ajer and Jozo Simunovic line up in front of goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

What channel is it on?

Premier Sports will be showing live coverage.

Supporters outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland will be able to watch the match on Celtic TV, while the club’s in-house channel will show a full replay of the game to UK users from midnight.

Where is it taking place?

Alashkert host Celtic at the 16,000-capacity Republican Stadium in the Armenian capital of Yerevan.

The players will have to deal with searing heat for 90 minutes, with temperatures expected to reach highs of 38 degrees.