LASK Linz
Celtic
LASK Linz vs Celtic Predictions, Picks & Odds – 25/08/2026
Champions League · Play-offsLASK Linz vs Celtic – Best bets of the match
| Bookmaker | 1 | X | 2 | Bonus info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake | 1.90 | 3.75 | 3.10 | View Odds |
· Confidence Medium
LASK Linz vs Celtic Preview
LASK Linz face the biggest fixture in their history as they chase a maiden Champions League group stage berth. Manager Didi Kühbauer has openly conceded that Celtic are the "better team," though he insists his squad will not sit deep and defend for ninety minutes. A balanced approach is the stated plan at the Raiffeisen Arena, where the Austrian side will lean on the energy of their home support and the momentum from last season's domestic double.
Celtic arrive in Linz riding a remarkable twelve-match winning streak across all competitions. Martin O'Neill's side have been ruthless in the early weeks of the campaign, netting ten goals while conceding just once in three fixtures. New signings Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran have already found the net, easing concerns over Arne Engels's departure to West Ham. The postponement of their St. Johnstone match granted valuable extra preparation time for this play-off.
Celtic's record of 12 consecutive competitive victories makes a compelling case for backing the away win at 3.10. Martin O'Neill's side have conceded just once across three fixtures this season, showcasing a defensive solidity that LASK will struggle to breach. The Austrian side's own manager has publicly conceded that Celtic are the superior team, which speaks volumes about the psychological dynamic heading into this tie.
New signings Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran have already contributed four goals between them, giving Celtic fresh attacking impetus. LASK manager Didi Kühbauer has spoken about needing a balanced performance rather than sitting deep, but that approach could leave gaps for Celtic's forwards to exploit. The Bhoys' eight-game unbeaten run away from home further supports the case for an away victory at the Raiffeisen Arena.
The stakes could not be higher, with approximately £40 million in group stage revenue on the line. Celtic carry the sting of last season's painful play-off elimination to Kairat Almaty, and that experience should sharpen their focus considerably. LASK are making history simply by reaching this stage, but Celtic's superior quality, form, and motivation point firmly towards a Celtic win at 3.10 as the recommended selection.
Trends to Know about LASK Linz vs Celtic
- Celtic won 12 straight competitive matches
- LASK concede Celtic are superior
- Celtic conceded once in three fixtures
Form & Statistics: LASK Linz vs Celtic
LASK Linz
Recent form
Season statistics (1)
Celtic
Recent form
Season statistics (2)
Lineups: LASK Linz vs Celtic
LASK Linz
Starters
- 1 Lukas Jungwirth
- 2 Andrés Andrade
- 3 Kasper Jorgensen
- 4 Xavier Mbuyamba
- 5 Alemão
- 6 Robert Ljubicic
- 7 Sascha Horváth
- 8 Melayro Bogarde
- 9 Samuel Adeniran
- 10 Moses Usor
- 11 Christoph Lang
Absent
- Ramiz Harakaté (injury)
- Jérôme Boateng (injury)
- Art Smakaj (Cruciate ligament tear)
Celtic
Starters
- 1 Viljami Sinisalo
- 2 Anthony Ralston
- 3 Auston Trusty
- 4 Liam Scales
- 5 Callum McGregor
- 6 Mika Baur
- 7 Benjamin Nygren
- 8 Sebastian Tounekti
- 9 Kasper Hogh
- 10 Camilo Durán
Absent
- Luis Palma (suspension)
- Kasper Schmeichel (injury)
- Cameron Carter-Vickers (injury)
- Jota (Cruciate ligament injury (6-9 months))
- Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Three-match UEFA suspension (red card from previous competition))
- Alistair Johnston (Injury (expected out until mid-September))
- Arne Engels (Transferred to West Ham United)
Low confidence
Both lineups carry a speculative tag here, so treat the formations with appropriate caution ahead of this Champions League play-off second leg. Should they hold, LASK's compact 3-5-2 sets up to crowd the midfield and funnel play wide, while Celtic's 4-3-3 is built to press high and exploit the channels.
Callum McGregor's role as the engine of Celtic's midfield three will be central to whether the visitors can control tempo on Austrian soil. For LASK, Moses Usor and Christoph Lang as the strike partnership must convert whatever limited chances a disciplined Celtic defensive shape allows them.
LASK Linz vs Celtic: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
How to Watch LASK Linz vs Celtic Match?
What time is LASK Linz vs Celtic?
LASK Linz host Celtic at the Raiffeisen Arena on 25 August 2026, with kickoff set for 20:00 BST.
Where is LASK Linz vs Celtic being played?
This Champions League play-off takes place at the Raiffeisen Arena, home ground of LASK Linz in Austria.
How Can I Watch LASK Linz vs Celtic on TV and Live Stream?
This match is available to watch on Sony Sports Network channels and JioCinema in India.