Celtic have confirmed their team for the Champions League play-off second leg against LASK, selecting the same eleven that won the first leg 3-0. According to 101 Great Goals, manager Martin O'Neill has kept faith with his starting lineup as the Scottish champions aim to secure their place in the league phase this week.
Defender Auston Trusty, who had been ill, is fit to start alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers in central defence. Kieran Tierney and Colby Donovan occupy the full-back positions, with Viljami Sinisalo in goal. The midfield trio of Callum McGregor, Mika Baur, and Yang Hyun-Jun is retained, while Benjamin Nygren and Camilo Durán support striker Kasper Høgh in attack. Durán's performance in the first leg was a highlight for the side.
What is Celtic's record in Austria?
Celtic's history on Austrian soil presents a significant challenge they will look to overcome. The club is without a victory in six previous away matches against Austrian opposition, recording two draws and four defeats. Their overall record in two-legged ties against Austrian clubs stands at one win and two losses. However, last week's commanding first-leg performance at Celtic Park, which ended a six-game winless run against Austrian teams, provides a platform for change. You can review the club's full historical statistics on our stats page.
Who could feature for LASK?
The Austrian side, managed by Thomas Sageder, has made several changes to its lineup for this decisive encounter. Their starting eleven includes goalkeeper Lukas Jungwirth, defenders Andrés Andrade and Xavier Mbuyamba, and forward Samuel Adeniran. Key players like Robert Ljubicic and Sascha Horvath will be central to LASK's attempt to overturn the large deficit. The team's setup suggests an aggressive approach from the outset at the Raiffeisen Arena.
What does progression mean for Celtic?
Securing a place in the Champions League league phase is the immediate prize for the winner of this tie. The draw for the league phase is scheduled for August 27, with the first matchday set for September 8. Qualification would mark a significant achievement for O'Neill's squad and guarantee a minimum of eight European fixtures before Christmas. It also carries substantial financial rewards crucial for the club's operations. The next domestic fixture for Celtic is a Premiership match at home to Hearts on September 12, as listed on our fixtures page.
Celtic's current squad, built for this European campaign, features experienced campaigners like captain Callum McGregor alongside younger talents. The average age of the starting lineup named for this match is 26.4 years. The team will be looking to defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has made over 150 appearances for the club, to provide stability at the back as they manage their aggregate advantage. The final whistle in Linz will determine whether Celtic's season continues on Europe's premier stage.
