LASK Linz
Celtic
>LASK Linz vs Celtic Predictions, Picks & Odds – 25/08/2026
Champions League · Play-offsLASK Linz vs Celtic Preview
LASK Linz face the biggest match in their history as they chase a first-ever Champions League group stage appearance. Manager Didi Kühbauer has been refreshingly honest, publicly acknowledging Celtic as the superior side while stressing the need for a balanced approach rather than sitting deep and inviting pressure. Their domestic double last season proved LASK can compete at the highest level in Austria, but European knockout football against a club of Celtic's pedigree represents a significant step up.
Celtic arrive in Linz riding a remarkable 12-game winning streak across all competitions. Martin O'Neill's side have been ruthless early this season, netting 10 goals and conceding just once in three fixtures. New signings Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran have hit the ground running with four goals between them. The sting of last season's painful play-off elimination to Kairat Almaty still lingers, and Celtic will be desperate to avoid a repeat with approximately £40 million in group stage revenue on the line.
Celtic's twelve-match winning streak tells a compelling story. Martin O'Neill's side have conceded just once across three competitive fixtures this season, a defensive record that few clubs in Europe can rival right now. LASK manager Didi Kühbauer himself admitted Celtic are the "better team," and that candid assessment aligns with the away win price at 3.50.
New signings Kasper Hogh and Camilo Duran have combined for four goals already, giving Celtic genuine cutting edge in the final third. The postponement of their domestic fixture against St. Johnstone handed O'Neill's squad valuable preparation time for this play-off. With roughly £40 million in group stage revenue on the line, Celtic carry both motivation and momentum.
LASK will not roll over at the Raiffeisen Arena, and Kühbauer's call for a "balanced performance" suggests they will press forward at times. Still, Celtic's quality across the pitch, their superior recent form, and the psychological edge from being acknowledged as favourites make the away win our recommended pick. The value sits firmly with the Scottish champions to take control of this first-leg tie.
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Trends to Know about LASK Linz vs Celtic
- Celtic won 12 straight competitive matches
- LASK boss concedes 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 ahead of this Champions League play-off second leg, so treat the projected shapes with caution. That said, the anticipated 3-5-2 vs 4-3-3 contest frames a fascinating tactical duel, with LASK's wing-backs likely to be tested hard by Celtic's wider attacking trio.
Callum McGregor figures to be the engine controlling Celtic's midfield tempo, while LASK will look to Moses Usor to provide the directness and penetration needed to unsettle a visiting back four. Given how speculative both selections are, expect potential adjustments once official confirmation arrives closer to kickoff.
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 vs Celtic kicks off on 25 August 2026 at 20:00 local time at the Raiffeisen Arena.
Where is LASK Linz vs Celtic being played?
This match 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?
Check local listings for LASK Linz vs Celtic Champions League play-off broadcast and live stream availability in your region.