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Celtic will take on LASK in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff on Wednesday, 19 August, with the hosts looking to build on a promising start to the season.
The Bhoys have won all of their competitive matches so far, which should mean they come into this one full of confidence. They will need to be wary of LASK, though, as they have also made a blistering start to their season.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Celtic vs LASK key stats
- Celtic have won their three competitive matches this season by an aggregate score of 10-1.
- Celtic beat LASK 5-2 in their only previous meeting.
- Both teams have combined for 26 goals from seven matches so far this season.
Celtic vs LASK preview: A thriller in store at Celtic Park
Celtic vs LASK — Tale of the Tape
| Celtic | vs | LASK |
|---|---|---|
| 1st(Scottish Premiership) | Position | 2nd(Austrian Bundesliga) |
| 6 | Points | 9 |
| 6 | Goals For | 9 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 1 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 5th | Home / Away Rank | 3rd |
Based on how electric both sides have fared in their domestic competitions so far this season, we could be in for a Champions League classic at Celtic Park on Wednesday night.
For Celtic, the way they have started the campaign has put to bed any doubts about whether it was a smart decision to extend Martin O'Neill's contract for another season, even if the 74-year-old was forced to miss the win over Kilmarnock for health reasons.
Celtic appear to be operating at a higher level than last season, with the summer signings, particularly Camilo Duran and Kasper Hogh, starting well.
Wednesday night will indicate whether this upturn in form is down to their own improvements or a further decline in the standards of Scottish football. Regardless, the last thing they need is a trip to Austria next week with a mountain to climb, so a positive result on Wednesday is paramount.
For the first leg, O'Neill will be unable to select Jota due to a cruciate ligament injury, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain due to suspension.
As for LASK, they will look to fight fire with fire at Celtic Park as they look to reach the Champions League group/league phase for the first time in their history.
If they are ever going to do it, now feels like the right time, given the quick start to the season they have made. Their results this season read 7-0, 3-0, 2-0, 4-1, which will concern Celtic supporters, and rightfully so.
While many will point to the standard of Austrian football, last season's runners-up, Sturm Graz, defeated Hearts, who finished just two points behind Celtic last season, 6-0 on aggregate earlier on in Champions League qualifying.
LASK manager Dietmar Kuhbauer will be without Art Smakaj and Ramiz Harakate on Wednesday due to ongoing injury problems.
Celtic vs LASK form guide & betting tips
| Celtic | vs | LASK |
|---|---|---|
D
D
W
W
W |
Form |
W
W
W
W
W
|
| 13 | Goals For | 18 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 1 |
N/A |
Champions League | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Celtic 3-2 LASK
Both of these teams have been excellent so far this season, but home advantage gives Celtic the slight edge. A home win has been best priced at 13/20.
There have been an average of 3.66 goals scored in matches involving Celtic this season, while the average is 5 goals per game for LASK. Over 3.5 goals has been priced at 7/4.
Kasper Hogh has already scored three goals in a Celtic shirt. Hogh to score anytime on Wednesday has been priced at 6/5.
> Celtic to win at 13/20 (1.65) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 3.5 goals at 7/4 (2.75) | Likelihood: Probable
> Kasper Hogh to score anytime at 6/5 (2.20) | Likelihood: Possible