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LASK vs Celtic: Prediction, Betting Tips and Match Preview

⚽ Europe Champions League · Europe · 25 August 2026
LASK logoLASK
5:1
1st half: 1:1
25.08.2026 20:00
Celtic logoCeltic

Match events

21′
⚽0:1Callum McGregor
Moisey Usor1:1⚽
32′
Robert Ljubičić2:1⚽
48′
🟨
57′
Samuel Adeniran3:1⚽
58′
Moisey Usor🟨
74′
76′
🟨
Florian Flecker4:1⚽
90′
Alemao Tornisch🟨
90′
103′
🟨Luke McCowan
Samuel Adeniran5:1⚽
109′

Match statistics: LASK vs Celtic

LASKCeltic
3.27xG (expected goals)0.52
53Ball possession, %47
35Shots6
6Shots on target3
8Corners4
15Fouls11
2Offsides1
2Yellow cards0
0Red cards0
103Attacks90
86Dangerous attacks37

💡 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
Dele Lawal
Football expert specializing in European and Russian competitions

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.

Starting lineups: LASK vs Celtic

LASK logoLASK3-5-2
Jungwirth
MbuyambaAlemãoAndrade
BelloHorvatBogardeLjubicicJørgensen
UsorAdeniran
Out of squad:Harakate · Injury
Celtic logoCeltic4-3-3
Sinisalo
TierneyTrustyCarter-VickersDonovan
BaurNygrenMcGregor
YanHegDuran
Out of squad:Johnston · Injury

Match odds LASK vs Celtic

Result (1X2)

X3.911.9523.5

Double chance

1X1.3X21.85121.26

Both teams to score

No2.35Yes1.51

Over

21.2231.9243.6857.91.51.132.51.63.52.414.54.45.58.7

Under

23.7631.7841.2151.031.54.72.52.333.51.474.51.155.51.02

Handicap 1

01.4711.06-12.63-26.11.51.04-1.53.34-2.56.95

Handicap 2

02.5711.3821.06-16.151.51.242.51.04-1.57.1

Correct score

0:018.250:113.250:2210:3461:09.31:16.951:2111:3272:0112:17.92:211.752:3283:0183:113.753:219.753:3434:0414:1304:246

To qualify

18.221.06

Predictions for LASK vs Celtic

AA Adewale Adebayo Corners: Team 2 over 3.5odds 1.85 Lost

This is a Champions League qualifier between LASK and Celtic, and the first leg already decided the tie. LASK got completely outclassed in Scotland, losing 3-0, and they are a modest side even by Austrian standards. They rely on counter-attacks, but Celtic simply steamrolled them in the first match — they had no answer. Celtic's new striker, Hogg, has settled in perfectly, and the team is in full flow.

I'm not just backing Celtic to win; I'm looking at their corner count. A victory by one goal or a draw is the most likely outcome here, but regardless, Celtic will dominate possession and push forward. They average double-digit corners in their domestic league, so asking for more than 3.5 is a very low bar. LASK won't have the ball, and Celtic will force plenty of defensive clearances. This is a solid play.

BN Biodun Nnaji Over 3odds 1.74 Won

The narrative for this return leg is crystal clear. At home, LASK has to go all-in from the very first whistle.

They demonstrated in Scotland that they can consistently breach the opposition's defense and create real danger in front of goal. With the crowd behind them, they simply have to find the net.

However, opening up against a ruthless Celtic attack is a massive gamble. The visitors are scoring in every match right now and are devastating on the counter when given space.

The trends for both sides point overwhelmingly to a high-scoring affair. Nine of LASK’s last ten competitive matches and five consecutive away games for Celtic have all sailed past the three-goal mark.

I'm expecting a fast-paced, end-to-end duel packed with goals. Over 2.5 goals is the clear play here.

VA Victor Ademola Handicap 1 (-1.5)odds 3.28 Won
AE Aliyu Ekwueme Handicap 1 (-1)odds 2.59 Won

LASK’s home form in the Champions League qualifiers has been rock solid, and I see them handling Celtic with enough margin to cover a -1 handicap. The Austrian side has the attacking firepower to put multiple goals past a Celtic defense that’s looked shaky on the road in Europe.

Given the odds of 2.59, this offers real value. I’m backing LASK to win by at least two goals on Tuesday night.

IO Ibrahim Olaniyan Over 3.5odds 2.27 Won

Celtic’s 3-0 victory in the first leg puts LASK in a deep hole, and there’s only one way out: they have to chase the game from the very first whistle. That means pushing forward aggressively and leaving plenty of space behind, which should turn this into an open, end-to-end affair. I’m backing over 3.5 goals at 2.27 — with the hosts forced to gamble and Celtic happy to hit on the break, the goals should flow.

WE Wale Ekwueme Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.21 Won

LASK and Celtic both show a tendency to start matches at a high tempo. The first leg already saw more than 1.5 goals in the opening 45 minutes, so I'm confident this first-half total will be covered again.

KM Kunle Mohammed Corners: Result: 2odds 4.70 Lost

Celtic come to this match with a 3-0 lead from the first leg, so the tie is essentially over. That makes predicting a clear favorite in the corner count tricky, and I’m backing the visitors to win that battle here.

JW Joseph Waziri Result: 1odds 1.96 Won
YT Yusuf Tanko Corners: Team 2 over 3.5odds 2.07 Lost

Celtic away from home are more than capable of earning four corners, so I’m backing them to clear that mark. The odds at 2.07 offer solid value for a bet that looks well within reach.

K kabiru.wolf Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.47 Pending

Both teams to score is the strongest angle here. LASK are reliable scorers at home, and while they concede roughly a goal per match, Celtic's away defense gives up about 1.1 goals, leaving the hosts with excellent chances to score. The numbers back a mutual goal fest, and I'm putting my money on both teams finding the net.

GA Godwin Anyanwu Corners: Over 9.5odds 1.61 Pending

The corner count in the Lask vs Celtic Champions League clash should clear 9.5. The logic is straightforward — both sides push forward, and that usually means plenty of set-piece opportunities. I'm backing the over without hesitation.

CK Chinedu Kalu Team 2 over 1.5odds 2.38 Pending
CB Chinedu Balogun Result: 1odds 1.99 Pending

Celtic’s opponents have managed one goal or fewer in eight of their last ten matches. I’m betting against that pattern here — LASK to take the win.

O oddsscout Double chance: X2odds 1.88 Pending

Celtic carry a commanding lead from the first leg into this Champions League tie. They won that match convincingly, so there's no need for them to take any risks on the road against LASK. I expect the visitors to be content with a draw, focusing on keeping the scoreline intact and simply managing the game.

That makes the double chance for Celtic or a draw the clear play here. The odds are attractive at 1.88 for a situation where the Scottish side has every incentive to avoid defeat and little reason to chase a win.

KO Kelechi Ogunleye Double chance: X2odds 1.88 Pending

Celtic are at least as strong as LASK at this stage. They won't lose this Champions League match. My bet is on double chance X2 at 1.88.

JA John Ademola Result: 1odds 2.00 Pending

LASK won’t suffer another embarrassing outing. The home win at 2.00 is simply too high to ignore – I’m taking it.

AM Abubakar Madu Team 1 over 2odds 2.57 Pending

LASK looked solid in Glasgow and were unlucky not to score. At home, their luck should turn, and they have a real shot at knocking Celtic out. I'm backing the hosts to score over 2 goals at 2.57.

B bull_wizard Handicap 2 (0)odds 2.62 Pending

Celtic are clearly the stronger side in this matchup, and another win feels well within reach. I’m taking the handicap 0 line at 2.62—it’s essentially a straight win bet with a safety net if it ends level, which suits my cautious read here.

MW Michael Waziri Result: 1odds 1.99 Pending

LASK are set to bounce back at home after their heavy defeat in the first leg. The response in front of their own fans should be strong, and the price makes this worth backing.

I'm taking the home win at 1.99. The hosts have every chance to level the tie right here.

IA Ikechukwu Adeyemi Handicap 2 (0)odds 2.62 Pending

Celtic are clearly a cut above LASK. A handicap 0 at 2.62 is the right call – they have the quality to win both home and away in this Champions League tie, and I expect them to deliver here.

C cup.wizard Team 2 over 1.5odds 2.52 Pending

Celtic are facing LASK in the Champions League, and I’m backing the visitors to net more than once. At 2.52, the price on over 1.5 goals for the Scottish side looks like a solid value play—no need to overthink this one.

EY Emmanuel Yusuf Over 3odds 1.94 Pending

After that heavy defeat in Scotland, LASK have no choice but to come out swinging at home. They need to salvage some pride, and the only way to do that is by throwing everything forward.

Celtic won't sit back either, so I expect an open, attacking game with plenty of chances on both ends. Over 3 goals at 1.94 looks like the clear play here.

SM Sunday M. Under 2.5odds 2.35 Pending

Celtic arrive in Austria with a nearly insurmountable 3-0 lead from the first leg. For LASK, the task of overturning that deficit is virtually impossible. With the hosts needing a miracle and the visitors likely to manage the game rather than chase goals, I don't see this turning into an open, high-scoring affair. That's why I'm backing Under 2.5 goals at 2.35.

PD Peter Danjuma Over 1.5odds 1.16 Pending
EW Emmanuel Waziri Over 2.5odds 1.61 Pending

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.

AA Anthony Akintola Handicap 1 (-1)odds 2.70 Pending

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.

CA Chinedu Abubakar Over 1.5 (2nd half)odds 1.88 Pending

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.

BA Babatunde Afolabi Corners: Over 10.5odds 2.09 Pending

For the LASK vs Celtic Champions League clash, I'm backing over 10.5 corners at 2.09.

SA Suleiman Akintola Result: 1odds 1.99 Pending

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.

SN Sani Nwachukwu Over 3.5odds 2.45 Pending

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.

CA Chibuzo Adamu Under 1 (1st half)odds 2.44 Pending

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.

UA Uche Adewale Over 2 (2nd half)odds 2.77 Pending

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.

AT Abubakar Tanko Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.36 Pending

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.

CA Chinedu Adamu Team 2 over 1.5odds 2.52 Pending

Celtic will score at least two goals. I'm backing that at 2.52.

MI Musa Ibe Result: 1odds 1.99 Pending

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.

CA Chukwuma Adekunle Under 2.5odds 2.35 Pending

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 aceboss_98 Result: 1odds 1.95 Pending

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.

AS Abubakar Suleiman Result: 1odds 1.95 Pending

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.

KO Kayode Oladipo Team 2 over 1.5odds 2.46 Pending

Celtic will score at least two goals in this Champions League match. The odds of 2.46 make that a solid play.

SO Samuel Okoro Team 1 over 1.5odds 1.77 Pending

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.

FN Femi Nwachukwu Handicap 1 (-1)odds 2.63 Pending

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.

MO Musa Olaniyan Double chance: X2odds 1.85 Pending
SB Sani Balogun Over 1.5 (1st half)odds 2.29 Won

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.

SA Samuel Ademola Double chance: X2odds 1.85 Pending

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.

KA Kayode Adamu Result: Xodds 3.90 Pending
GA Godwin Adamu Over 1.5 (2nd half)odds 1.82 Pending

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.

ES Emeka Shehu Under 2.5odds 2.33 Pending

A pragmatic Celtic side on the road will likely prioritise protecting their advantage. That makes Under 2.5 goals the clear play here.

NM Nnamdi Madu Result: 1odds 1.95 Pending

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.

O olusegun_guy Both teams to score — Yesodds 1.51 Pending

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.

CD Chibuzo Danjuma Result: 1odds 1.95 Pending

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.

KM Kingsley Musa Correct score 2:1odds 7.90 Pending

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.

SO Sunday Oladipo Over 3.5odds 2.41 Pending

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.

SO Sani Obiora Over 2 (2nd half)odds 2.66 Pending

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.

BL Biodun Lamido Over 3.5odds 2.41 Pending

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.

NA Nnamdi Adewale Handicap 2 (0)odds 2.57 Pending

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.

EE Emeka Eze Over 1.5 (2nd half)odds 1.82 Pending

Second halves in this competition are consistently high-scoring affairs. I’m backing another flurry of goals after the break here.

ML Musa Lawal Handicap 1 (-1)odds 2.63 Pending

LASK are fully focused on winning by the necessary margin. That's why I'm taking the -1 handicap at 2.63.

Match poster

LASK vs Celtic — odds

❓ 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.