Here we are again. Another Champions League qualifier.
For Celtic supporters, European qualification inevitably brings back memories of last season’s painful tie against Kazakhstani opposition.
The Kairat Almaty scars haven’t completely healed, but the mood around Celtic Park feels a little different this time around.
There is renewed optimism following a handful of additions to Martin O’Neill’s squad.
Admittedly, Celtic probably still need more, but there is no getting away from the fact that the Hoops have added genuine quality, particularly in attack.
That was an area which badly needed addressing after Celtic failed to score in more than 200 minutes of football across their two-legged Champions League qualifier against Kairat last season.
This time around, there are some fresh faces capable of making a difference.
Kasper Høgh has hit the ground running with three goals in three games, while Camilo Duran opened his Celtic account at the weekend.
Mika Baur also made his debut from the bench in the Premier Sports Cup victory over Dundee United, alongside fellow summer signing Haissem Hassan.
But the standard is about to rise considerably.
Celtic face a serious LASK test
LASK are not Kairat.
The Austrian champions arrive in Glasgow as a side with serious European ambitions and plenty of confidence behind them.
They completed a historic domestic double last season, winning the Austrian Bundesliga and ÖFB Cup for the first time in 61 years.
Their league triumph was particularly impressive given the position they found themselves in earlier in the campaign, with Dietmar Kühbauer’s side producing a remarkable second-half-of-the-season turnaround.
And they have carried that momentum into the new campaign.
LASK opened their league season with a 3-0 victory over GAK, having already smashed seven past lower-league Kalsdorf in the Austrian Cup.
They have continued to find the net regularly since then, meaning Celtic will have to be switched on at both ends of the pitch.
This is a serious Champions League test.
And Celtic will know that a positive result at Parkhead is vital before they travel to Austria for the second leg.
Celtic could still add to squad
There could yet be more new faces in the Celtic squad before the first leg.
UEFA regulations allow clubs involved in the qualifying rounds and play-offs to register up to two additional eligible players after the initial deadline, with those changes able to be made until 11pm on the day before the first leg.
That gives Celtic until Tuesday night to get any final deals over the line.
Whether the Hoops can actually complete another signing in time is a different matter.
But with O’Neill still looking to improve his squad, there is plenty of interest in what Celtic can do before the deadline.
Celtic predicted lineup vs LASK
Martin O’Neill has some big calls to make for the visit of Austrian champions LASK, but the Celtic boss could stick with a side that has impressed in recent weeks.
Viljami Sinisalo is expected to continue between the sticks, with Colby Donovan likely to retain his place at right-back with Alistair Johnston sidelined.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty could continue their partnership at the heart of the defence, while Kieran Tierney starts on the left.
In midfield, Callum McGregor should anchor the side, with Mika Baur in line for his first Celtic start after making his debut from the bench against Dundee United.
Benjamin Nygren could complete the midfield three, having scored three and assisted three in Celtic’s first three matches of the season.
There is plenty of excitement surrounding the front three.
Camilo Duran has made an encouraging start to life at Celtic and could keep his place on the right, while Kasper Høgh is expected to lead the line after scoring three already.
Sebastian Tounekti could get the nod on the left after scoring his first Celtic goal of the season in Saturday’s 4-0 win over Dundee United.
Celtic predicted XI
Formation: 4-3-3
GK: Viljami Sinisalo
RB: Colby Donovan
CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers
CB: Auston Trusty
LB: Kieran Tierney
CM: Callum McGregor
CM: Mika Baur
CM: Benjamin Nygren
RW: Camilo Duran
ST: Kasper Høgh
LW: Sebastian Tounekti
When and where will Celtic vs LASK Linz take place?
Celtic will face LASK at Celtic Park on Wednesday, August 19.
Kick-off is scheduled for 8pm BST.
The Hoops will be looking to put themselves in a strong position before next week’s return leg in Austria.
Will Celtic vs LASK Linz be broadcast live on television?
Yes.
The Champions League qualifier will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1, with coverage getting underway at 7.30pm.
Who is the referee and VAR for Celtic vs LASK Linz?
Swiss referee Sandro Schärer has been appointed to take charge of the first leg.
He will be assisted by fellow Swiss officials Stéphane De Almeida and Jonas Erni, with Fedayi San on VAR duty.
Schärer has plenty of European experience and has previously taken charge of Celtic in the Champions League.
Unfortunately for the Hoops, their record under the Swiss official isn’t one they will be desperate to remember.
This will be Schärer’s fourth Celtic match, with the previous three ending without a victory for the Hoops.
His most recent Celtic appointment came in the 3-0 Champions League defeat to Real Madrid at Celtic Park in 2022.
He also refereed Ange Postecoglou’s first competitive match at Celtic Park against FC Midtjylland, when both Nir Bitton and Anders Dreyer were sent off.
His first experience of the Hoops came back in 2018, when Celtic drew 0-0 with Rosenborg in Norway and progressed in Champions League qualifying.
Celtic will be hoping this is the night that finally changes that record.
What is the Celtic team news ahead of LASK Linz?
There is already one confirmed absentee for the Hoops.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will miss both legs after being hit with a three-match European suspension dating back to his time at Besiktas.
The midfielder received the red card against Lugano in December 2023, with the resulting ban carrying over.
Martin O’Neill admitted the suspension came as a surprise to both Celtic and the player, particularly given that Oxlade-Chamberlain had already been included in the club’s Champions League squad.
Alistair Johnston picked up an injury against Kilmarnock, leaving his availability for Wednesday’s game in serious doubt. Celtic subsequently left him out of their Champions League squad for the LASK tie.
Yang missed the weekend’s cup tie with a knock, and is therefore a doubt for Wednesdsay night.
LASK form
LASK arrive in Glasgow in excellent scoring form.
They began their season by putting seven goals past Kalsdorf in the Austrian Cup before opening their league campaign with a 3-0 victory over GAK.
They have since continued their strong start, with wins over Austria Vienna and Ried adding to the pressure Celtic face.
The Austrians also have the confidence that comes from being domestic champions.
They won the Austrian Bundesliga last season after beating Austria Vienna 3-0 on the final day, completing the league and cup double.
Celtic therefore know exactly what awaits them.
The scars from Kairat might still be there.
But this is a different Celtic side, with a different manager, fresh attacking options and a chance to put down an early marker in this season’s Champions League campaign.
And after last season’s European disappointment, O’Neill’s men will be desperate to take a lead to Austria.
The manager is set to face the media on Tuesday afternoon, where he’ll update fans on the current squad and touch on transfers.
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