Read our prediction for Celtic vs LASK below. This preview was written by a sport journalist who is specialised in betting tips and predictions.
Celtic vs LASK Prediction & Betting tips
Celtic host Austrian champions LASK Linz at Celtic Park on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, for the highly anticipated first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off round. With a massive £40 million prize pool and a ticket to the newly formatted league phase on the line, both clubs enter the tie in blistering domestic form. Both teams have enjoyed flawless starts to their domestic campaigns. Celtic, managed by Martin O’Neill, have scored 10 goals in their opening three competitive fixtures, fresh off a ruthless 4-0 weekend victory over Dundee United. However, the Hoops remain cautious after defensive vulnerabilities saw Dundee United hit the woodwork five times in that match. LASK Linz arrive in Glasgow carrying a pristine domestic run of their own, having won all four of their opening competitive matches. The Austrian side is hoping to claim a first-leg advantage before returning to Linz for the second leg on August 25. Bookmakers place Celtic as the definitive home favorites at roughly 1.48 to win the first leg. Analysts point to the famously hostile European atmosphere at Celtic Park under the lights as a deciding factor. While LASK boast immense counter-attacking quality with forward Samuel Adeniran, their injury-depleted midfield could struggle to sustain Celtic’s aggressive high-possession tempo. A tight, cautious first leg is expected, with many backing a narrow home win.
Celtic:
Right-back Alistair Johnston is sidelined for several weeks with a leg injury. Midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is serving a three-match European suspension. Kasper Schmeichel recently retired following an injury, leaving Viljami Sinisalo to step up in goal. Midfielder Arne Engels is excluded as he nears a transfer to West Ham.
Celtic probable team (4-3-3): Sinisalo – Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Scales, Tierney – McGregor, Baur, Nygren – Hassan, Yang Hyun-jun, Høgh
LASK:
New forward Ramiz Harakaté is out with a ruptured ACL. Midfield engine Kryštof Daněk and left-wing-back George Bello are dealing with muscle injuries, leaving major depth issues for manager Dietmar Kühbauer.
LASK probable team (3-4-3): Jungwirth – Andrade, Mbuyamba, Alemão – Jørgensen, Ljubičić, Horvath, Bello – Daněk, Adeniran, Usor
Celtic vs LASK head to head matches
08.07.2014 LASK – Celtic 2:5
* Our advice is: Celtic WIN
* Selection odd for this bet is: 1.60
* This analyis is from our perspective and we highly recommend to inform also yourself about all details that can be decisive in your choise to bet!
