LASK vs Celtic – News and Probable Lineups

LASK Linz will host Celtic at Raiffeisen Arena on Tuesday evening for their second leg encounter in the Champions League playoff qualifying round.

The home team faces a challenging task following the initial leg at Celtic Park, where the visitors achieved a commanding 3-0 win.

Match overview

LASK Linz concluded the 2025-26 season on a high note, securing six wins, two draws, and suffering just one loss out of nine matches in the post-split section of the Áustrian Bundesliga, which placed them at the top of the standings.

By clinching the Áustrian Bundesliga title for only the second time ever, LASK Linz ensured their advancement directly to the playoff qualifying stage for the 2026-27 Champions League.

Dietmar Kuhbauer’s squad approached their first leg matchup against Celtic in a positive frame of mind, having commenced the new season with a perfect record of four victories in four matches.

LASK convincingly defeated SC Kalsdorf 7-0 in their OFB Cup first round fixture, and followed that with league wins of 3-0 against Grazer AK 1902, 2-0 against FK Áustria Wien, and 4-1 against SV Ried in their first three league outings.

Nonetheless, the Black-Whites struggled to maintain that momentum at Celtic Park, where they encountered a disappointing 3-0 defeat, which left LASK with a challenging task as they return home for the second leg.

LASK will aim to take encouragement from certain aspects of their performance in the first leg, having registered 20 shots, creating two significant chances, and having two goals ruled off for offside, along with outpacing Celtic in expected goals (xG) with 1.58xG compared to 0.93xG.

Kuhbauer’s team will also benefit from the home advantage, having gone undefeated in their last eight competitive games at home, although they’ve been unable to secure a win in their last five home matches in European tournaments.

Celtic, on the other hand, arrive for the second leg with a firm advantage following their impressive 3-0 win in the first leg.

Even with a lower xG total, Celtic secured their victory with three fabulous strikes, as Benjamin Nygren and Camilo Duran, who netted twice, each found the net from inside and around the penalty area.

That win maintained Celtic’s perfect start to the 2026-27 season, as the Bhoys have won all four of their matches across all competitions.

The reigning champions of the Scottish Premiership have triumphed over Dundee 1-0 and Kilmarnock 5-1 in league play, in addition to defeating Dundee United 4-0 in the second round of the Scottish League Cup.

Despite holding a substantial lead and excellent form heading into this match, O’Neill will recognize the threat that LASK presents and will be keen for his side to maintain their advantage and secure a place in the Champions League league phase for the first time since 2024-25.

Team News

LASK Linz does not have any new injury concerns ahead of Tuesday’s fixture with Celtic, but they will continue to be without forward Ramiz Harakate due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

Despite the 3-0 setback in the first leg, LASK Linz created numerous opportunities and challenged Celtic throughout the encounter, and Kuhbauer may choose to field a similar lineup on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Celtic will remain without Jota, who is sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury, although the remainder of the squad should be available for selection.

First-leg scorers Duran and Nygren will be looking to make a significant impact yet again on Tuesday, and they are expected to be supported by Kasper Hogh and Yang Hyun-Jun in the attacking positions.

LASK Linz probable starting XI:

Jungwirth; Mbumba, Alma, Andrew; Jorgensen, Danek, Ljubicic, Horvath, Bello; Usor, Adeneran

Celtic probable starting XI:

Sinisalo; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney; Nygren, McGregor, Baur; Duran, Hogh, Hyun-Jun

LASK Linz will strive to get back into the contest, and while we anticipate that the hosts may be able to find the net this time, the offensive capabilities of the visitors should allow them to stay competitive and ensure their progression as overall victors.