Celtic Set to Face LASK in UEFA Champions League Playoff Second Leg
After securing a convincing 3-0 victory at Parkhead in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoffs, Celtic will head to Austria to challenge LASK on Tuesday night. While they seem to have a strong position for advancement to the league phase, the team remains vigilant, especially considering the hosts’ impressive home record and their recent triumph in the Austrian Bundesliga after a 61-year wait.
The Hoops have taken lessons from the previous season, enhancing their squad with more quality rather than sheer quantity. They are likely to invest again if they qualify, and their confident start in various competitions casts them as strong favorites against Die Laskler, even as they take on this challenge away from home.
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Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face LASK
Defence
As Celtic assesses potential goalkeeper signings, Viljami Sinisalo has shown reliability since becoming the first choice following Kasper Schmeichel’s injury earlier this year. The Finnish keeper will need to deliver a solid performance this week.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 19: Colby Donovan of Celtic is challenged by George Bello of LASK during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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Martin O’Neill is expected to utilize Colby Donovan on the right side, given that Alistair Johnston is sidelined until October. The USMNT duo of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty have provided stability in central defense. Additionally, Kieran Tierney remains crucial on the left side, known for his skill and agility in the defensive setup. Liam Scales might be available off the bench, offering versatility as both a center-back and left-back.
Midfield
Celtic has brought in Mika Baur to take over as Arne Engels’ successor in midfield. The German playmaker is set to operate in a ‘double pivot’ alongside the team captain, Callum McGregor. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke McCowan, and Reo Hatate could serve as substitutes in the second half.
Benjamin Nygren continues to impress with his performance, contributing goals and assists in the previous match against LASK. Camilo Duran has adjusted from his preferred ‘number 9’ role to support Kasper Høgh. Duran has made a notable start, scoring twice last Wednesday when LASK visited Celtic Park. Yang Hyun-jun may need to refine his finishing and final passes; however, his energy, work rate, and pressing ensure he earns a spot over Sebastian Tounekti. The latter, along with veteran James Forrest and new signing Haissem Hassan, are expected to be on the bench as alternative wing options.
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Attack
Kasper Høgh, the club-record signing, made a statement with a hat-trick against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. The Danish striker will aim to leverage his scoring abilities as he leads the attack alongside Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand.
After a 3-0 win at Parkhead in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League playoff, Celtic will travel to Austria to face LASK on Tuesday night. While they have one foot in the competition’s league phase, there’s no room for complacency, given the hosts’ stunning home record and their recent conquest of the coveted Austrian Bundesliga title after 61 years.
The Hoops have learned from last season’s mistakes, bolstering the squad with quality additions over quantity. They are likely to splash the cash again upon qualification, and a flying start across competitions makes them absolute favourites against Die Laskler despite clashing heads on the road.
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Predicted 4-2-3-1 Celtic Lineup To Face LASK
Defence
Although the Bhoys are assessing the market for another goalkeeper, Viljami Sinisalo has impressed between the sticks ever since being promoted to first choice after Kasper Schmeichel’s injury earlier this year. The Finnish ace must deliver another resolute performance this midweek.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – AUGUST 19: Colby Donovan of Celtic is challenged by George Bello of LASK during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 play-offs first leg match between Celtic and LASK at Celtic Park on August 19, 2026, in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
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Martin O’Neill is expected to rely on Colby Donovan down the right, with Alistair Johnston ruled out until October. The USMNT pair of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty have been headstrong in the heart of the backline. Also, Kieran Tierney’s flair and finesse from the left make him irreplaceable in the defensive third. Liam Scales could feature from the bench, as the Irishman brings versatility both as a centre-half and left-back.
Midfield
Celtic have roped in Mika Baur as Arne Engels’ successor in the middle of the park. The German playmaker should operate from the deep and form a ‘double pivot’ alongside skipper Callum McGregor. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke McCowan and Reo Hatate could be introduced as second-half substitutes.
Benjamin Nygren continues his exquisite form, scoring and assisting against LASK in the reverse fixture. Camilo Duran has sacrificed his preferred ‘number 9’ spot for Kasper Høgh. Yet he is off to a flying start, netting twice last Wednesday when the Austrian giants visited Celtic Park. Yang Hyun-jun might need to work on his finishing and final deliveries. But the South Korean wideman deserves a nod over Sebastian Tounekti for his energy, work rate and high pressing. The latter, along with veteran James Forrest and the mega-money recruit Haissem Hassan, should be there among substitutes as alternate wing options.
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Attack
Høgh, the club-record signing, announced his arrival with a hat-trick against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park. The Danish hitman must exhibit his poaching traits while spearheading the attack ahead of Johnny Kenny and Callum Osmand.
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