Celtic were superb at Celtic Park last week.
A 3-0 victory over LASK has put the Hoops within touching distance of the Champions League league stage, and Martin O’Neill has little reason to rip up the team that produced such an impressive performance.
Camilo Duran’s fabulous efforts either side of half-time, after Benjamin Nygren had opened the scoring with a stunning volley, put Celtic firmly in control of the tie.
The Hoops even came close to adding a fourth as they pushed for more in the closing stages.
Now they know exactly what they need to do.
One more disciplined performance in Austria and Celtic will be heading into the Champions League league stage in high spirits – a far cry from the disappointment of Kairat last season.
With that in mind, we expect O’Neill to stick with the same starting XI.
Celtic predicted lineup
GK – Viljami Sinisalo
Sinisalo should keep his place between the sticks.
The Finnish goalkeeper made some important stops in the first leg and looked increasingly assured as the game went on.
He will have another big job on Tuesday night, with LASK expected to come out strongly, but there is no reason to change things here.
RB – Colby Donovan
Donovan was absolutely terrific at right-back last week.
Thrown into the side with Alistair Johnston unavailable, the youngster stepped up brilliantly and looked comfortable against a LASK side who had plenty of attacking threat.
He deserves another chance to show what he can do.
CB – Cameron Carter-Vickers
Carter-Vickers wasn’t quite at his best last week and there were moments where he looked to be lacking that little bit of pace.
But you simply cannot take the quality and experience of the American out of this Celtic defence.
He will be expected to lead the backline again and should partner Trusty.
CB – Auston Trusty
Trusty has established himself as a reliable presence alongside Carter-Vickers this season and should continue in the heart of the defence.
LASK will inevitably have spells of pressure in Austria, so Celtic will need the American to be strong in the air and composed when the hosts look to put the ball into the box.
LB – Kieran Tierney
Tierney caused LASK plenty of problems last week with his deliveries from the left.
His dangerous balls into the box played a part in two of Celtic’s goals, with the visitors struggling to deal with the pressure.
He should keep his place as Celtic look to give LASK another problem to worry about.
CM – Callum McGregor
McGregor will once again captain the side and anchor the midfield.
The Celtic skipper’s experience will be particularly important in Austria, where O’Neill’s men will need to manage the game properly rather than get dragged into a frantic contest.
CM – Mika Baur
What a Celtic Park debut.
Baur looked packed with quality against LASK, showing that he is comfortable on both feet and possesses an impressive range of passing.
He didn’t look overawed by the occasion and instead brought a calmness and technical quality to Celtic’s midfield.
Another big test awaits in Austria, but there is no reason to leave him out.
CM – Benjamin Nygren
Nygren is in some serious form.
The Swede now has four goals and four assists in four games this season, and his stunning volley against LASK was another reminder of the quality he possesses – as if we needed it this season!
He has quickly become one of Celtic’s biggest attacking threats from midfield and should start again.
RW – Camilo Duran
Duran is full of quality.
The new signing announced himself properly last week with two brilliant goals, showcasing both his ability and his confidence in front of goal.
But there is much more to his game than finishing.
He is a real player, capable of carrying the ball, linking up with teammates, creating something from nothing and chipping in defensively. That could be massive on Tuesday night.
He should start on the right again.
ST -Kasper Høgh
Høgh didn’t get himself on the scoresheet in the first leg, but his contribution was still hugely important.
The striker was selfless in his work, battled for every ball and gave Celtic an outlet when they needed to relieve pressure.
His hold-up play could be particularly valuable away from home, with Celtic likely to spend more time without possession.
He should lead the line again.
LW – Yang Hyun-jun
Yang perhaps didn’t receive the plaudits he deserved after last week’s win, but he was still very good.
His willingness to take players on, combined with his pace and trickery, gives Celtic another outlet on the flank.
With LASK needing to attack, there should be space for Yang to exploit on the counter.
Celtic predicted XI vs LASK
Formation: 4-3-3
Sinisalo
Donovan – Carter-Vickers – Trusty – Tierney
McGregor – Baur – Nygren
Duran – Høgh – Yang
An unchanged XI
There is little reason for O’Neill to change things.
Celtic were excellent last Wednesday and have a three-goal cushion to protect. More importantly, the players who started the first leg gave the manager plenty of reasons to trust them again.
After the pain of Kairat last season, Celtic are now just 90 minutes away from putting that disappointment behind them and securing their place in the Champions League league stage.
O’Neill will be hoping this XI can get the job done.
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