Celtic Aims for Champions League Progress Against LASK

Celtic head to Austria with a three-goal cushion and a warning ringing in their ears.

A 3-0 dismantling of LASK at a charged Parkhead has one foot firmly planted in the UEFA Champions League league phase, but the trip to Linz on Tuesday night is no victory lap. LASK have just ended a 61-year wait for the Austrian Bundesliga title and built that success on a fierce home record. This is exactly the sort of night that punishes complacency.

Martin O’Neill knows it. Celtic’s response to last season’s shortcomings has been sharp rather than scattergun, with targeted upgrades instead of a bloated squad. Another cash injection is expected if they finish the job and qualify, and the early-season form across all competitions has turned them into clear favourites against Die Laskler – even on foreign soil.

The shape is unlikely to change: a familiar, aggressive 4-2-3-1 built to control the ball and suffocate space.

Sinisalo’s stage, back four settled

Between the posts, Viljami Sinisalo has seized his chance. Promoted to first choice after Kasper Schmeichel’s injury earlier this year, the Finn has looked assured rather than temporary. His handling has been clean, his positioning calm. Another composed display here would nudge Celtic closer to the group stage and strengthen his grip on the shirt, even as the club scour the market for another goalkeeper.

In front of him, the back four almost picks itself.

With Alistair Johnston sidelined until October, Colby Donovan is set to continue at right-back. The American full-back handled himself well in the first leg and will again be asked to balance overlapping ambition with defensive discipline against a LASK side that must attack.

At centre-half, the USMNT duo of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty have formed a rugged partnership. They dominated aerially and on the deck in Glasgow, cutting out through balls and front-foot defending whenever LASK tried to break. That same authority will be needed in Austria, where an early concession could turn a routine assignment into a live contest.

On the left, Kieran Tierney remains untouchable. His drive, delivery and timing in the final third give Celtic a natural outlet down that side, but his recovery pace and reading of danger make him just as valuable closer to his own box. He is the balance point of the back line.

Liam Scales should again be among the substitutes, his ability to cover both centre-back and left-back offering O’Neill flexibility if the game demands a reshuffle.

Double pivot and creative options

The biggest change in midfield comes with the arrival of Mika Baur. Signed as the successor to Arne Engels, the German is expected to sit deep and dictate, forming a double pivot with captain Callum McGregor. Baur’s passing range and composure allow McGregor to shuttle, press and knit play, while still keeping Celtic secure in transition.

From the bench, O’Neill has options that most managers envy. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain brings Premier League experience and late-arriving runs from midfield. Luke McCowan offers energy and vertical passing. Reo Hatate, when introduced, can tilt a game with his movement between the lines and quick combinations. All three are realistic candidates to come on in the second half, depending on the scoreline and tempo.

Ahead of them, Benjamin Nygren is in the form every attacking midfielder craves. He scored and assisted in the first leg, constantly finding pockets of space that LASK never quite managed to close. His confidence on the ball and end product make him one of the first names on the teamsheet for this tie.

Camilo Duran is the selfless piece in the attacking jigsaw. A natural No 9, he has willingly vacated the central striker role for Kasper Høgh, instead operating from a more withdrawn or wider starting position. The shift has not blunted him. He struck twice in the first leg, timing his runs and finishes to perfection as LASK’s defence unraveled under Celtic’s pressure.

On the flank, Yang Hyun-jun brings relentless running and aggression out of possession. His final ball and finishing still need polish, but his pressing, work rate and willingness to stretch the game give him the edge over Sebastian Tounekti for a starting role. He forces mistakes. He tires full-backs. That matters on nights like this.

Tounekti, along with veteran James Forrest and big-money signing Haissem Hassan, should provide width and variety from the bench. Forrest offers experience and composure in high-stakes European ties, while Hassan’s talent and price tag mean he will be under close scrutiny whenever he is unleashed.

Høgh to lead the line

At the tip of the system, Kasper Høgh is expected to spearhead the attack again. Duran’s brace took the headlines in Glasgow, but Høgh’s movement, link-up play and presence pinned LASK’s centre-backs and opened lanes for runners from deep. With LASK forced to chase the game at home, the Dane’s ability to occupy defenders and exploit space on the counter could define how comfortable Celtic’s night becomes.

The equation is simple. Protect the advantage, show the maturity that eluded them in previous campaigns, and a place in the Champions League league phase awaits.

Anything less, in a stadium that has waited 61 years to roar on champions, and this tie could yet acquire an edge Celtic thought they had already dulled.