/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.footballwhispers.com%2Fmain%2F2026%2F08%2Fkilmarnock-vs-celtic-prediction-1.jpg)
LASK Linz will host Celtic at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz on Tuesday, needing a remarkable comeback to keep their UEFA Champions League dream alive.
The hosts suffered a heavy first-leg defeat in Glasgow, with the loss putting them in a precarious situation heading into the return leg.
Meanwhile, Martin O'Neill's side will be brimming with confidence, having ended the Austrian champions' five-match winning run at Celtic Park.
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.
LASK vs. Celtic key stats
- Celtic are unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions.
- LASK have only lost once in their last six games across all competitions.
- Celtic have failed to keep a clean sheet in five of their last eight games across all competitions.
LASK vs. Celtic preview: The Bhoys chase to finish the job in Linz
LASK vs. Celtic — Tale of the Tape
| LASK | vs | Celtic |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd | Position | 1st |
| 9 | Points | 6 |
| 9 | Goals For | 6 |
| 1 | Goals Against | 1 |
| 2 | Clean Sheets | 1 |
| 2nd/3rd | Home / Away Rank | 6th/1st |
LASK face a daunting task in the return fixture, needing to overturn a three-goal deficit if they are to keep their Champions League ambitions alive.
However, there is at least some reason for optimism based on their form before the first leg defeat.
The hosts were on a five-game winning streak, one win in a preseason friendly, one in the OFB Cup and three in their league games.
Their home form since the start of the new season can also boost them in the second leg, as they have won back-to-back home games in the league.
Celtic, meanwhile, arrive in Austria with confidence high and momentum firmly on their side.
The visitors take a commanding advantage into the second leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff after a convincing 3-0 victory in Glasgow.
The Scottish champions are vastly more experienced at this stage of the competition and are seeking a 14th appearance in the Champions League proper.
Brendan Rodgers' side have won all four competitive matches so far this season, with at least three goals scored in the last three.
Their away form also strengthens their position, with the Hoops winning back-to-back games across all competitions.
History also provides further encouragement, as Celtic have not lost to LASK in their last two meetings.
With the Scottish champions needing simply to protect their commanding lead, Celtic appear firmly on course to reach the league phase of the Champions League.
LASK vs. Celtic form guide & betting tips
| LASK | vs | Celtic |
|---|---|---|
WWWWL |
Form | DWWWW |
| 16 | Goals For | 15 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 3 |
L |
Champions League qualification | W |
Whispers predicts: LASK 1-2 Celtic
Celtic's dominant first-leg display and their greater overall quality are the main reasons behind this prediction, despite LASK's home advantage and attacking intent in Linz.
LASK's free-scoring domestic form suggests they should find the net on home soil, but Celtic should edge the tie with a narrow 2-1 victory.
The bookmakers have made the hosts slight favourites, with 7/5 (2.40) odds, despite their heavy first-leg defeat.
A draw, which would still be comfortably enough for Celtic to qualify, is given at 137/100 (2.37), and an away win for Celtic is at 11/4 (3.75).
Given the attacking form of the two sides, over 2.5 goals looks a reasonable option at 4/7 (1.57), while both teams to score (yes) is also at 4/7 (1.57).
Another option to look at is first-half total goals (over 1.5), which is given at 5/4 (2.25), while Celtic double chance is at 4/5 (1.80).
> Away team double chance at 4/5 (1.80) | Likelihood: Probable
> Over 2.5 goals at 4/7 (1.57) | Likelihood: Possible
> Both teams to score at 4/7 (1.57) | Likelihood: Possible
> First-half total goals (over 1.5) at 5/4 (2.25) | Likelihood: Probable