After an absolute blistering start to their domestic season, Celtic dives headfirst into their Champions League campaign Wednesday night, hosting LASK in the first leg of the play-off round. You just know the spirit in the camp is sky-high after that thumping 4-0 League Cup win against Dundee United at Tannadice Park. But don’t sleep on LASK, who just snagged their first league title in 61 years. Their boss Dietmar Kühbauer is calling them favorites for this European clash, yet he wants a balanced, proactive game, not some purely defensive shell. This isn’t just a game, it’s a tactical war between two domestic champs, their first-ever competitive meeting for a lucrative league-phase spot in this whole coveted tournament.
Mika Baur Gets the Nod Amid Defensive Shakes
Listen, the Hoops are eyeing another goalie, but honestly, Viljami Sinisalo has been pure command and composure since stepping in for the injured Kasper Schmeichel. So, no rush there. The real gut punch? Alistair Johnston’s injury. That’s a massive blow. Coach Martin O’Neill is probably gonna roll with Colby Donovan at right back, especially since he’s been preferred over Anthony Ralston lately. Liam Scales got the start at left back against Dundee United, but you gotta figure Kieran Tierney, with his flair, finesse, and those trademark crosses, is the preferred choice there. And can we talk about our USMNT duo? Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty are holding down the fort as the first-team central defensive pairing. That’s big for us.
In the middle of the park, Mika Baur is the name everyone’s buzzing about. Brought in to replace Arne Engels, the German youngster debuted against Dundee United as a second-half sub. Now, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain suspended, the manager should hand Baur a start at Parkhead next to skipper Callum McGregor in that ‘double pivot’ role. Benjamin Nygren, a revelation since his low-key transfer last summer, is a lock at the number 10 spot. Camilo Duran, deployed from the right, has an assist and a goal recently, which has to boost his confidence after losing his number 9 role to Kasper Høgh. Yang Hyun-jun missed Saturday, but O’Neill expects him back. Sebastian Tounekti grabbed his chance with a goal and an assist in Yang’s absence, so he should keep his spot on the left. Egypt’s World Cup hero Haissem Hassan might get involved off the bench, but he definitely needs more time to rebuild that match fitness.
Høgh and the High Stakes Attack
Up top, Kasper Høgh has been making noise in Scottish football, already netting a hat-trick against Kilmarnock. He had an exquisite run in last season’s Champions League with Bodø/Glimt, and this club-record signing absolutely has to show off those poaching traits leading the attack. He’s exactly what we need for a game like this.
This midweek contest is everything. It’s the first step towards securing that league-phase spot, which is huge for the club. We need a strong performance at home Wednesday night. You know everyone’s watching what happens in Glasgow!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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