Glasgow against LASK’s biggest weakness: prediction for Celtic vs LASK
The first leg of the Champions League play-off qualifying round between Celtic and LASK will take place on August 19, 2026, in Glasgow. The Scottish champions are kicking off their European campaign in excellent form, while the sensational winners of the Austrian league will be looking to break a disastrous away streak in Europe.
Celtic: a near-flawless start to the season
Martin O’Neill’s side have played three official matches and won them all. In the league, Celtic edged Dundee 1-0 and thrashed Kilmarnock 5-1, before hammering Dundee United 4-0 in the League Cup - the combined scoreline from this opening stretch stands at 10:1.
Arne Engels’ move to West Ham hasn’t disrupted the team’s structure: Mika Baur has stepped in, while up front Kasper Høgh, Camilo Duran, and Benjamin Nygren have already made their mark. Nygren has been particularly impressive - three goals and three assists in three matches, and the hosts are not facing any serious personnel issues.
LASK: Austrian champions in form, but away days in Europe haunt them
LASK are unbeaten in 13 matches, including the end of last season, and have started the new campaign with four straight wins. Over that run, they have scored 16 goals and conceded just one, and in their latest outing, they confidently dispatched Ried 4-1.
Moses Usor and Samuel Adeniran are in top form, with Robert Ljubicic quickly cementing his place in the starting lineup. However, their European away record is dire: LASK have lost their last seven away matches in continental competition by an aggregate score of 2:19.
Match facts
- Celtic are unbeaten in 12 matches, winning 11 of them.
- In eight matches during this run, the Scots scored at least three goals.
- LASK have lost their last seven away games in European competition, with a combined score of 2:19.
Home pressure should decide it: prediction for Celtic vs LASK
LASK have started the season brilliantly and boast a dangerous attacking duo, so the Austrians cannot be underestimated. However, they will face a totally different level of pressure in Glasgow, where Celtic traditionally play with far more aggression.
The main argument against the visitors is their long-standing away woes in Europe, while the hosts are currently scoring freely and are in great form. Still, LASK’s attacking potential means they could at least grab a consolation goal.
