LASK vs Celtic: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview
LASK
Celtic💡 Match preview LASK vs Celtic
By Dele Lawal — Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions
Last season, Celtic fell short of reaching the Champions League group stage, but now the Scottish giants are just a whisker away from the main tournament. To clear the final qualifying round, the Hoops simply need to protect their three-goal cushion from the first leg against LASK (3-0) in the return fixture.
Tactical Analysis: LASK – A Result That Belied the Performance
After the first match, LASK’s hopes of advancing to the Champions League proper are wafer-thin. Yet the Austrians’ display at Celtic Park was far from the 0-3 drubbing the scoreline suggests. The men from Linz hardly deserved such a heavy defeat. In fact, when it came to the quality of chances created, Dietmar Kühbauer’s side actually outperformed Martin O’Neill’s charges (1.58 xG versus 0.93). The Black-and-Whites repeatedly sliced open the Scottish defence with pinpoint long balls, and only a combination of bad luck in the final third and superb goalkeeping kept the hosts from conceding.
That loss in Glasgow was LASK’s first of the season. Before travelling to Britain, they had strung together four consecutive wins with a combined goal difference of 16-1, all in domestic competitions. However, the departure of Modou Kebe Sissé – sold to Aston Villa – hit at the worst possible moment. Without last year’s defensive leader, the back three of Andrade, Tornić and Mbuyamba struggled to maintain their previous level of solidity. On the other hand, Robert Ljubičić, the central midfielder on loan from AEK, has settled in well in Linz and provided quality transitions for the Black-and-Whites’ counter-attacks, even in an ultimately disappointing tie against Celtic.
Tactical Analysis: Celtic – Strong at Home, Vulnerable on the Road
Scottish clubs competing in Europe have traditionally been formidable on their own turf, and reigning champions Celtic are no exception. Thanks to the thrashing of LASK, the Hoops extended their unbeaten home run in European qualifiers to five matches. Away from Parkhead, however, the green-and-whites – like other Premiership sides – have struggled: just two wins in their last 17 European trips abroad. So the return leg in Austria promises to be a far sterner test than the one in Glasgow a week earlier.
Nevertheless, Martin O’Neill’s team arrives for the second leg in excellent form. Despite selling two key players from last season – Arne Engels and Daizen Maeda – the visitors have prepared superbly for the new campaign, winning all four official matches played so far. Particularly impressive this summer is new signing Camilo Durán, acquired from Qarabag for just €5.5 million. The Colombian striker has delivered a goal or assist in each of his last three games, and in the first leg against LASK he bagged a brace.
Predicted Lineups
LASK (3-4-1-2): Jungwirth – Andrade, Tornić, Mbuyamba – Jørgensen, Ljubičić, Horvat, Bello – Daněk – Adeniran, Usor
Out: Harakate (injury)
Head coach: Dietmar Kühbauer
Celtic (4-3-3): Sinisalo – Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney – McGregor, Nygren, Baur – Durán, Hegg, Yan
Out: Johnston (injury)
Head coach: Martin O’Neill
Prediction and Bet
Main prediction: LASK to win at 2.00
Advancing to the next round will be an uphill battle for LASK, but winning this individual home match is well within their reach. Even in Glasgow – a notoriously tough venue for visiting teams – the Black-and-Whites played no worse than their illustrious opponents, created more clear-cut chances, and tormented Celtic’s defence with rapid vertical attacks. Meanwhile, the Scottish side, holding a comfortable three-goal lead from the first leg, will find it difficult to maintain the same level of concentration. After all, losing by one or even two goals would not be a disaster for Celtic. Therefore, the pick is a LASK victory at odds of 2.00.
Total goals prediction: Over 2.5 at 1.62
That said, a monumental comeback for the Austrians is unlikely, given their defensive frailties. In the previous meeting, Kühbauer’s men repeatedly left the zone just outside their own box unguarded, and it was from precisely that area that Celtic scored their first two goals. Still, we can expect another high-scoring affair. The average number of goals in LASK’s matches this season is exactly four, while Celtic’s is only slightly lower at 3.5. As a supplementary option, betting on over 2.5 total goals at 1.62 makes sense.
Dele Lawal is a football expert who has spent many years analyzing tournaments such as the EFL Cup, FIFA World Cup, Champions League, and Russian Super Cup. His analysis emphasizes current form, lineups, key statistics like expected goals and shots on target, and the impact of coaching decisions and fixture schedules. He maintains a disciplined, data-oriented approach to prediction, avoiding emotional bias and focusing on underlying performance indicators.
All articles by this author →The editorial prediction is provided for informational purposes only and should not be treated as a direct call to action. Every reader should do their own analysis before deciding on a bet.
Probable lineups: LASK vs Celtic
LASK3-4-1-2Celtic4-3-3Match odds LASK vs Celtic
Result (1X2)
Double chance
Both teams to score
Over
Under
Handicap 1
Handicap 2
Correct score
To qualify
Predictions for LASK vs Celtic
This Champions League matchup between LASK and Celtic has all the ingredients for an open, entertaining contest. I'm expecting both sides to go for it, and a 2-1 scoreline feels like the most natural outcome.
That's why I'm backing over 2.5 goals at 1.61 — it clears the line comfortably and offers a solid chance to cash in on what should be a lively affair.
LASK looks capable of covering a -1 handicap at home here. I'm backing them to win by at least two goals, and the 2.70 odds make that a worthwhile bet.
The second half of this Champions League fixture between LASK and Celtic is primed for goals. I expect both sides to find the net after the break, pushing the total to at least two.
For the LASK vs Celtic Champions League clash, I'm backing over 10.5 corners at 2.09.
LASK’s 3–0 deficit from the first leg makes their task nearly impossible, but I’m backing them to at least salvage a win here. A narrow home victory is the minimum they can achieve, and the odds of 1.99 make that a solid play.
LASK and Celtic are set to deliver a high-scoring thriller. With a juicy 2.45 odds on Over 3.5 goals, I'm all over this bet—both sides have the firepower to make it happen.
LASK and Celtic meet in the Champions League, and I’m backing the first half to stay under one goal at 2.44. If any goals come, they’ll likely arrive after the break.
Celtic and LASK meet in the Champions League, and I’m backing the second half to deliver at least three goals at odds of 2.77. Both sides will open up after the break, making goals inevitable.
LASK faces a must-win situation in the Champions League and will need to push forward aggressively to overturn the deficit. That urgency should create an open, high-tempo first half where both sides have clear chances. Celtic, for their part, will look to exploit the space left behind and hit back on the counter. I’m backing over 1.5 goals in the first half at 2.36 — the conditions are set for early action.
Celtic will score at least two goals. I'm backing that at 2.52.
LASK hosting Celtic in the Champions League – I'm backing the home side to get the job done. The odds of 1.99 are a fair reflection of their chances, and I expect them to secure the victory.
LASK and Celtic meet in the Champions League, and I’m expecting a low-scoring affair. My bet is on under 2.5 goals at 2.35, as I just don’t see more than two goals in this one.
LASK will slam the door loudly before their Champions League exit. I'm backing them to win this match – Celtic are the stronger side overall, but that doesn't change my pick here. Home win at 1.95 is the call.
LASK have no choice but to go all out and shut Celtic down at home. They're playing in front of their own fans, and in a Champions League clash like this, there's no room for half-measures. I see them getting the job done here.
Celtic will score at least two goals in this Champions League match. The odds of 2.46 make that a solid play.
LASK have nothing left to lose in this Champions League fixture, and that’s exactly why I’m backing them to score at least two goals. When a team is in that position, they push forward without caution, and Celtic’s defence should feel the pressure. The bet on LASK over 1.5 goals at 1.77 looks solid.
Celtic already settled things in the first leg on their own turf. That’s why I’m taking LASK with a -1 handicap — they’ll be forced to go all out and should cover the spread.
Celtic’s defense has been shaky on the road in the Champions League, and LASK know they have to score early to have any chance. That urgency from the hosts should create an open first half with chances at both ends. I’m backing the over 1.5 goals in the first 45 minutes at 2.29—that price looks too high given the circumstances.
Celtic are the stronger side on paper, and I expect them to avoid defeat in this Champions League clash. With a double chance bet on the visitors or a draw, the odds of 1.85 offer solid value for a match where the winner is far from guaranteed.
At least two goals will be scored in the second half of this Champions League clash. The hosts, LASK, are set to push forward with far more aggression than they showed in the first leg away at Celtic.
A pragmatic Celtic side on the road will likely prioritise protecting their advantage. That makes Under 2.5 goals the clear play here.
Celtic are expected to sit deep and prioritise protecting their goal. That said, I see LASK breaking through their defence and securing a win — though this is a one-off result rather than a reflection of overall form. I'm backing the home side to take all three points.
LASK hosting Celtic in the Champions League shapes up as a tight, competitive affair. I expect both sides to get on the scoresheet, making the "Both Teams to Score — Yes" market the right call at 1.51.
LASK need a win here to keep any realistic hope of catching Celtic in the group. That’s why I’m backing the home side at 1.95.
LASK hosting this at home gives them a real chance to fight for a win in the Champions League. I am backing a correct score of 2-1 here, which comes at a solid 7.90.
LASK have no choice but to push forward and chase the game, which is exactly the kind of scenario Celtic can exploit on the counter. I’m backing Over 3.5 goals here at 2.41 — the hosts’ desperation to get back into the tie should leave plenty of space for the visitors to punish them.
The second half of this Champions League meeting between LASK and Celtic is where the goals will flow. I expect both sides to push hard late on, making over 2 goals in the second half a strong play at 2.66.
LASK's attacking style in this Champions League meeting with Celtic is the key reason I'm backing over 3.5 goals. They consistently generate a high volume of chances, and at 2.41, the price on a four-goal match is too good to pass up.
Celtic’s current physical condition is absolutely top-notch, and that’s the key factor here. I’m backing the Bhoys with a zero handicap at 2.57 — they simply look too sharp to lose this one.
Second halves in this competition are consistently high-scoring affairs. I’m backing another flurry of goals after the break here.
LASK are fully focused on winning by the necessary margin. That's why I'm taking the -1 handicap at 2.63.
Result: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
LASK’s 3–0 deficit from the first leg makes their task nearly impossible, but I’m backing them to at least salvage a win here. A narrow home victory is the minimum they can achieve, and the odds of 1.99 make that a solid play.
LASK hosting Celtic in the Champions League – I'm backing the home side to get the job done. The odds of 1.99 are a fair reflection of their chances, and I expect them to secure the victory.
LASK will slam the door loudly before their Champions League exit. I'm backing them to win this match – Celtic are the stronger side overall, but that doesn't change my pick here. Home win at 1.95 is the call.
LASK have no choice but to go all out and shut Celtic down at home. They're playing in front of their own fans, and in a Champions League clash like this, there's no room for half-measures. I see them getting the job done here.
Celtic are expected to sit deep and prioritise protecting their goal. That said, I see LASK breaking through their defence and securing a win — though this is a one-off result rather than a reflection of overall form. I'm backing the home side to take all three points.
LASK need a win here to keep any realistic hope of catching Celtic in the group. That’s why I’m backing the home side at 1.95.
Double chance: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
Celtic are the stronger side on paper, and I expect them to avoid defeat in this Champions League clash. With a double chance bet on the visitors or a draw, the odds of 1.85 offer solid value for a match where the winner is far from guaranteed.
Over: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
This Champions League matchup between LASK and Celtic has all the ingredients for an open, entertaining contest. I'm expecting both sides to go for it, and a 2-1 scoreline feels like the most natural outcome.
That's why I'm backing over 2.5 goals at 1.61 — it clears the line comfortably and offers a solid chance to cash in on what should be a lively affair.
The second half of this Champions League fixture between LASK and Celtic is primed for goals. I expect both sides to find the net after the break, pushing the total to at least two.
For the LASK vs Celtic Champions League clash, I'm backing over 10.5 corners at 2.09.
LASK and Celtic are set to deliver a high-scoring thriller. With a juicy 2.45 odds on Over 3.5 goals, I'm all over this bet—both sides have the firepower to make it happen.
Celtic and LASK meet in the Champions League, and I’m backing the second half to deliver at least three goals at odds of 2.77. Both sides will open up after the break, making goals inevitable.
LASK faces a must-win situation in the Champions League and will need to push forward aggressively to overturn the deficit. That urgency should create an open, high-tempo first half where both sides have clear chances. Celtic, for their part, will look to exploit the space left behind and hit back on the counter. I’m backing over 1.5 goals in the first half at 2.36 — the conditions are set for early action.
Celtic will score at least two goals. I'm backing that at 2.52.
Celtic will score at least two goals in this Champions League match. The odds of 2.46 make that a solid play.
LASK have nothing left to lose in this Champions League fixture, and that’s exactly why I’m backing them to score at least two goals. When a team is in that position, they push forward without caution, and Celtic’s defence should feel the pressure. The bet on LASK over 1.5 goals at 1.77 looks solid.
Celtic’s defense has been shaky on the road in the Champions League, and LASK know they have to score early to have any chance. That urgency from the hosts should create an open first half with chances at both ends. I’m backing the over 1.5 goals in the first 45 minutes at 2.29—that price looks too high given the circumstances.
At least two goals will be scored in the second half of this Champions League clash. The hosts, LASK, are set to push forward with far more aggression than they showed in the first leg away at Celtic.
LASK have no choice but to push forward and chase the game, which is exactly the kind of scenario Celtic can exploit on the counter. I’m backing Over 3.5 goals here at 2.41 — the hosts’ desperation to get back into the tie should leave plenty of space for the visitors to punish them.
The second half of this Champions League meeting between LASK and Celtic is where the goals will flow. I expect both sides to push hard late on, making over 2 goals in the second half a strong play at 2.66.
LASK's attacking style in this Champions League meeting with Celtic is the key reason I'm backing over 3.5 goals. They consistently generate a high volume of chances, and at 2.41, the price on a four-goal match is too good to pass up.
Second halves in this competition are consistently high-scoring affairs. I’m backing another flurry of goals after the break here.
Under: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
LASK and Celtic meet in the Champions League, and I’m backing the first half to stay under one goal at 2.44. If any goals come, they’ll likely arrive after the break.
LASK and Celtic meet in the Champions League, and I’m expecting a low-scoring affair. My bet is on under 2.5 goals at 2.35, as I just don’t see more than two goals in this one.
A pragmatic Celtic side on the road will likely prioritise protecting their advantage. That makes Under 2.5 goals the clear play here.
Handicap: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
LASK looks capable of covering a -1 handicap at home here. I'm backing them to win by at least two goals, and the 2.70 odds make that a worthwhile bet.
Celtic already settled things in the first leg on their own turf. That’s why I’m taking LASK with a -1 handicap — they’ll be forced to go all out and should cover the spread.
Celtic’s current physical condition is absolutely top-notch, and that’s the key factor here. I’m backing the Bhoys with a zero handicap at 2.57 — they simply look too sharp to lose this one.
LASK are fully focused on winning by the necessary margin. That's why I'm taking the -1 handicap at 2.63.
Both teams to score: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
LASK hosting Celtic in the Champions League shapes up as a tight, competitive affair. I expect both sides to get on the scoresheet, making the "Both Teams to Score — Yes" market the right call at 1.51.
Correct score: Predictions and Odds for Upcoming Matches
LASK hosting this at home gives them a real chance to fight for a win in the Champions League. I am backing a correct score of 2-1 here, which comes at a solid 7.90.
Match poster
❓ Frequently asked questions
When and where is the match?
The match is on 25 August 2026 at 20:00, played in Austria (LASK's home ground).
What is the main prediction for this match?
The main prediction is a LASK win at 2.00, with double chance X2 (draw or Celtic win) at 1.85 and over 2.5 total goals at 1.62 also suggested.
How are both teams coming into this match?
LASK had won four straight games before losing the first leg, while Celtic have won all four official matches this season, including the first leg 3-0.
Are there any key injuries or absences?
Yes, LASK are without injured midfielder Harakate, and Celtic are missing injured defender Johnston.
Why is the double chance X2 recommended?
Because Celtic hold a comfortable 3-0 lead and may not need to win, while LASK played well in the first leg despite losing, so a draw or narrow Celtic loss is plausible.
What happened in the first leg between LASK and Celtic?
Celtic won 3-0 at home, but LASK created better chances (1.58 xG vs 0.93) and were unlucky not to score, thanks to missed chances and superb goalkeeping.
