Celtic welcome LASK Linz to Celtic Park on Wednesday for the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off knockout round tie.Download our MozzartSport App For More NewsBoth teams enter this high-stakes tie after lifting their respective domestic league titles last season.Having devastatingly missed out on the league phase in 2025-26 after losing to Kairat Almaty in the play-off round, Celtic will be eager to make home advantage count.##NAJAVA_MECA_9894243##LASK, on the other hand, boast a formidable attacking record with 16 goals in four competitive matches this term, making this a highly competitive and action-packed first-leg encounter.Kick-off: 10:00 PM (Kenyan Time), Wednesday 19 AugustVenue: Celtic Park, GlasgowGroup: UEFA Champions League Play-off RoundCurrent standings: N/A (Knockout Stage)BETTING GUIDE: Levski Sofia vsAEK Athens match preview, team news and predictionQualification implications: The aggregate winner across two legs secures a spot in the UEFA Champions League main draw (league phase), while the loser enters the UEFA Europa League.Form GuideCeltic✅ Win vs Dundee United (4-0)✅ Win vs Kilmarnock (5-1)✅ Win vs Dundee FC (1-0)➖ Draw vs AC Milan (2-2)➖ Draw vs Middlesbrough (1-1)LASK Linz✅ Win vs Ried (4-1)✅ Win vs Austria Vienna (2-0)✅ Win vs Grazer AK (3-0)✅ Win vs Kalsdorf (7-0)✅ Win vs Fortuna Dusseldorf (2-0)Head-to-Head (Last Meeting)✅ LASK 5-2 Celtic (2014 Friendly)Team NewsCeltic❌ Jota – Cruciate ligament injury (out).❌ Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Suspended (out).LASK Linz❌ Art Smakaj – Ongoing injury (out).❌ Ramiz Harakate – Ongoing injury (out).🟡 Kasper Jørgensen – Forced off in last match, subject to assessment.BETTING GUIDE: GNK Dinamo Zagreb vs Viking FK, match preview, team news and predictionPlayer to Watch: Kasper Høgh (Celtic)Summer signing Kasper Høgh has made an immediate impact since arriving at Celtic Park, already netting three goals in his opening three appearances.Høgh's sharp movement inside the penalty area and instant chemistry with Camilo Duran make him the focal point of Martin O'Neill's attack. If LASK's backline fails to contain his physical presence and direct runs, Høgh could prove to be the decisive factor in giving Celtic a commanding first-leg lead.🟢 Safe Bet (Low Risk)Over 1.5 Goals🟡 Smart Bet (Medium Risk)Celtic to Win🔴 Long Shot (High Risk)Celtic to Win 3-1Disclaimer: Whilst we do our utmost to offer good advice and information, we cannot be held responsible for any loss that may be incurred as a result of gambling.