Celtic vs LASK Prediction 19 August 2026
🔊 In the first leg of the Champions League qualifying play-offs, Celtic will host LASK at Celtic Park. The Scottish side come into this decisive stage of qualifying in excellent form and have already built up momentum in competitive matches, while the Austrians have started their season no less impressively. The stakes are particularly high: the winner of the two-legged tie will earn a place in the Champions League league phase.
Head-to-Head
📊 Celtic and LASK have no previous official meetings. The two sides therefore go into the first leg of this qualifying tie without any head-to-head experience. Current form and early-season results are the main reference points here.
Celtic Team Overview
Celtic have made a powerful start to the season. In the Scottish Championship, the team first beat Dundee 1:0, then thrashed Kilmarnock 5:1. In their last official match before meeting LASK, the Scots comfortably dealt with Dundee United 4:0 in the League Cup. In their last three official games, the team have scored ten goals and conceded just one.
In attack, the hosts currently have several options to change their structure. Kasper Høgh has already scored a hat-trick against Kilmarnock, while Camilo Durán scored his first official goal for the club against Dundee United. Benjamin Nygren has also started the season in good form. Martin O'Neill noted separately that Durán can be used not only on the flank but also closer to a central position, which gives the manager the ability to change the attacking shape during the match.
Match Results: Celtic
LASK Team Overview
LASK have not dropped a single point this season. In their first match, in the Austrian Cup round of 64, the black-and-whites thrashed Kalsdorf 7:0. Then, in the first round of the Austrian Bundesliga, the reigning champions beat GAK 3:0 at home. Nine days later the team won away at Vienna Austria - 2:0, and then hammered Ried 4:1 at home. In their first four matches LASK scored 16 goals and conceded only one.
Notably, Dietmar Kühbauer's side know how to step up after the break. LASK won all four second halves, scoring ten goals in them. This is an important detail specifically for the match against Celtic: if the hosts do not get the job done before half-time, the Austrians are capable of pushing hard in the second half. The Austrians have played one match more than their opponents. Against this backdrop, Celtic have a slightly shorter run of official matches, although the Scots' results have also been convincing so far.
Match Results: LASK
Latest news
Celtic
❌ Celtic also have injury concerns. Alistair Johnston picked up a knock in the match against Kilmarnock and will likely miss the game against LASK. Colby Donovan could fill in at his position. There is also uncertainty in central midfield: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is not registered for European competition, and Arne Engels has joined West Ham. As a result, the central area could prove to be the most vulnerable part of the hosts' lineup.
LASK
❌ LASK have injury doubts ahead of their trip to Glasgow. In their last match against Ried, Sascha Horvath, Samuel Adeniран and Kasper Jørgensen all went off early with injuries, so their availability for the first match against Celtic remains uncertain. The situation with Adeniран is particularly significant: the forward is one of the team's main sources of goals, and his absence would noticeably reduce LASK's options in attack. That said, there is currently no reason to rule any of the three out as definite absentees.
🟨 Yellow Cards Prediction
The match carries high tournament stakes, but both teams are currently in good form and are unlikely to turn the game into a physical battle from the first minutes. LASK have been fairly disciplined in their recent Austrian league matches, and Celtic will focus on ball control. Prediction: total yellow cards under 3.5.
⚽ Goals Prediction
The "over" option looks more interesting here. Celtic have scored ten goals in their first three official matches, and LASK - 16 in four. Both teams are in good form and have a fairly high-quality attack. The hosts at home will surely play on the front foot, while the Austrians have already shown they can make effective use of their chances after the break. Prediction: LASK to score in the 2nd half at 2.23*.
🚩 Corners Prediction
Celtic should spend a significant part of the match in positional attacks, which creates the conditions for a high number of crosses and blocked shots. In the first four games of the season, LASK earned at least six corners per match themselves, so the visitors are also capable of contributing to the overall tally. Prediction: total over 8.5 corners.
*Odds are indicative and may vary depending on the bookmaker.
⭐ Editor's Pick
Celtic look like the favourites primarily due to the home advantage and greater European experience. However, LASK are currently in excellent form and have already shown they are capable of performing confidently against strong opponents. My bet: total over 2.5 goals, which has landed in 9 of Celtic's last 10 matches and in 8 of the previous 9 games for the "black and whites". I'm not expecting a rout, but a one-goal advantage for the hosts looks like the most likely scenario. Predicted score - 2:1.
Will this prediction come true?
Betting Tips: Celtic - LASK
in last 9 games.in last 4 away games.
in last 12 games.in last 6 home games..svg)
in 8 of last 9 games.
in 7 of last 8 games.Comparison of Teams Stats
Other predictions
