Celtic's Strong Position Ahead of LASK Clash
Celtic head to Austria on Tuesday night with the scoreline – and the stakes – crystal clear. A 3-0 first-leg win at a raucous Parkhead has them within touching distance of the UEFA Champions League league phase, but LASK’s home record and that long-awaited Austrian Bundesliga title mean this is no lap of honour. Not yet.
Martin O’Neill’s side travel with momentum, depth and a clear identity that has been sharpened by the scars of last season. Celtic have gone for targeted quality rather than a trolley dash in the market, and the early returns across competitions have been emphatic. They are favourites, even away from Glasgow. They just can’t afford to play like it’s already done.
Sinisalo’s Stage
In goal, Viljami Sinisalo has turned an injury problem into an opportunity. Kasper Schmeichel’s setback earlier this year could have left Celtic scrambling; instead, the Finnish keeper has quietly grown into the role of first choice. He has looked assured, brave, and tidy with the ball at his feet. In Linz, with LASK needing goals and likely to throw bodies forward, he faces his sternest test yet. Another resolute display and Celtic’s European path should stay clear.
Back Four with Bite
The backline almost picks itself. With Alistair Johnston sidelined until October, Colby Donovan is expected to patrol the right. The American full-back impressed in the first leg, snapping into duels and offering an outlet on the overlap. His battle down that flank will shape how much LASK can pin Celtic back.
Inside him, the USMNT pairing of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty has given O’Neill exactly what every manager craves in Europe: a centre-back duo that relishes the fight. Strong in the air, aggressive on the front foot, they choked off LASK’s attacks at Celtic Park and will need to be just as sharp against a side that tends to grow an extra gear at home.
On the left, Kieran Tierney remains untouchable. His blend of defensive grit and attacking flair makes him a constant release valve and a weapon on the counter. When Celtic look to break, it’s often Tierney who ignites the move.
Liam Scales offers insurance from the bench. His ability to slot in either as a centre-half or at left-back gives O’Neill options if the game turns chaotic or injuries bite late on.
Engine Room Reset
The midfield tells its own story of evolution. Mika Baur has arrived to fill the void left by Arne Engels, and the German is expected to sit deep, dictating play from the base. He should form a double pivot with captain Callum McGregor, whose calm tempo-setting and positional discipline remain the heartbeat of this Celtic side.
That pairing gives O’Neill control and structure, but he has plenty of ways to change the picture after the break. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain brings experience and forward thrust between the lines. Luke McCowan offers running power and pressing from midfield. Reo Hatate can alter the rhythm with his sharp passing and movement. All three are likely candidates to step in during the second half, depending on the scoreline and Celtic’s need for either control or incision.
Wide Threats and Relentless Running
Benjamin Nygren arrives in Austria in the kind of form that turns a good tie into a procession. He scored and assisted in the first leg, finding pockets of space and punishing LASK whenever they overcommitted. If he drifts between the lines with the same intelligence again, the hosts could be in trouble.
On the opposite flank, Yang Hyun-jun is still a work in progress in the final third. His finishing and end product need polish. His energy does not. The South Korean’s relentless pressing, direct running and willingness to track back make him invaluable away from home. Those qualities should earn him the nod ahead of Sebastian Tounekti from the start.
O’Neill’s bench, though, is stacked with alternatives. Tounekti offers fresh legs and pace late on. James Forrest, the veteran campaigner, brings composure and know-how in tight European nights. Big-money signing Haissem Hassan adds another dynamic, dribbling option if Celtic want to twist the knife on the counter.
Duran’s Sacrifice, Høgh’s Stage
Up front, the balance has subtly shifted. Camilo Duran, who prefers to lead the line as a traditional No. 9, has willingly moved to accommodate Kasper Høgh. It has not blunted him. Duran struck twice in the first leg, ghosting into dangerous areas and finishing with conviction. His willingness to adapt speaks volumes about the mood in this squad.
Høgh, meanwhile, offers the focal point. His presence pins defenders, creates space for Nygren and Yang, and gives Celtic a target when they need to go long and relieve pressure. Against a LASK side that must chase the game, his hold-up play and movement could be decisive on the break.
Predicted Celtic XI vs LASK (4-2-3-1)
Viljami Sinisalo; Colby Donovan, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Kieran Tierney; Mika Baur, Callum McGregor; Benjamin Nygren, Camilo Duran, Yang Hyun-jun; Kasper Høgh.
Celtic travel with a three-goal cushion, a settled spine and a bench full of game-changers. LASK bring pride, a fierce home record and the belief of newly crowned champions of Austria. One side is almost there. The other has nothing to lose.
Which of those proves more powerful over 90 minutes in Linz will say a lot about where Celtic truly belong in this European campaign.
