Celtic face LASK in the Champions League play-off first leg at Parkhead tonight, with manager Martin O'Neill making two changes from the weekend. Mika Baur is expected to partner Callum McGregor in midfield, while Reo Hatate drops to the bench.
Team news and absentees
Alistair Johnston is sidelined with a hamstring injury, with Colby Donovan deputising at right-back. Kieran Tierney returns at left-back after being rested at Tannadice. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is unavailable due to a three-match European suspension dating back to his time with Besiktas in 2023.
Yang missed the weekend trip to Tayside after a knock in training, with Sebastian Tounekti retaining his place on the left flank after a goal and an assist against Dundee United. Camilo Duran starts on the right, with record signing Kasper Hogh leading the line.
Stakes and recent form
The tie offers a £40million windfall for the winners. Celtic crashed out of the play-offs last year to Kairat Almaty, their fifth successive qualifying campaign ending in failure. However, they have scored nine goals in their last two away games.
Arne Engels completed a £22million move to West Ham, while Johnston's injury adds to the disruption. The £17m strike force is expected to deliver across two legs.
Predicted XI and squad
Predicted Celtic XI: Sinisalo; Donovan, Carter-Vickers, Trusty, Tierney; McGregor, Baur, Nygren; Duran, Hogh, Tounekti.
Champions League squad: Goalkeepers - Sinisalo, Doohan. Defenders - Scales, Trusty, Carter-Vickers, Murray, Ralston, Tierney. Midfielders - Yang, McCowan, Hatate, Oxlade-Chamberlain (suspended), Baur, McGregor, Forrest. Forwards - Nygren, Hogh, Balikwisha, Duran, Tounekti, Osmand, Hassan, Kenny.
