Celtic have a comfortable 3-0 advantage against LASK from the home leg. However, the fact that they are playing the Austrian side away from home means that they cannot take anything for granted.
Having won two European Cups during his time as a player at Nottingham Forest, Martin O'Neill knows how games can change on the continent. There is a long season ahead, and the Celtic manager may afford to rotate some players. However, there is a lack of strength in depth right now at Celtic. This means that any changes will be minimal.
The core of Celtic's team needs to remain; otherwise, they risk an embarrassing capitulation. The finances of being in the Champions League are huge for Celtic. The Scottish giants have a great European history with the Lisbon Lions. They need to keep playing in the continent's premier competition for their supporters and to remain relevant on a wider scale.
6 non-negotiable starters for Celtic vs LASK
Benjamin Nygren
Benjamin Nygren is Celtic's talisman, and he scored and made an assist in the first leg. He is the player LASK will fear the most. Starting Nygren would be a statement that O'Neill is not taking any chances despite Celtic's comfortable lead. The Sweden international has the ability to create goals on his own. He could quieten the home supporters by making an impact early. It would show that Celtic believe they are already through if Nyrgen does not start.
Auston Trusty
A solid back line is what the Hoops need to defend their lead. Auston Trusty is key to Celtic's defense alongside his USMNT teammate Cameron Carter-Vickers. Trusty did miss the last training session due to a stomach bug, but if he can play, he should. Liam Scales is an option if the American defender is not 100%.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
O'Neill will want to keep the same centre-back partnership to ensure that LASK does not get any chances. Carter-Vickers should partner Trusty at the back. A blow to the Hoops is that Alistair Johnston is out until October with a hamstring injury. Therefore, Carter-Vickers will probably have to cover whoever is playing right-back at times. This could be either Colby Donovan or Anthony Ralston.
Callum McGregor
Celtic will need leaders for what could be a difficult away match. Callum McGregor is the Celtic captain, and he has been with the club's first team since 2013. He knows what it means to represent the Hoops and will be able to guide young players who could feature.
Alex Oxlade‑Chamberlain is still suspended, so the Hoops will need to be solid in midfield. Celtic do not have another senior out-and-out defensive midfielder. Therefore, even at 33, McGregor remains an integral part of this Celtic side. This is especially after Arne Engels was sold to West Ham United this summer. This has left the Hoops short of top-level midfield options.
Viljami Sinisalo
Often in Europe or cup competitions, some clubs play a backup goalkeeper. However, Viljami Sinisalo
must remain in goal for Martin O'Neill's side. This is especially as Celtic's only other senior option is Ross Doohan, who has never made a senior appearance for the Hoops. Sinisalo will be hoping to keep a clean sheet across both legs.
Camilo Durán
Camilo Durán scored a brace in the first leg, so his confidence will be high. The Colombian will be hoping to add to his goal tally in Europe. Durán is predominantly a centre-forward. However, he is proving that he is just as adept on the wing. He will want to continue impressing in order to keep his place. His position in the side could be under threat when Jota returns from injury.
Add us as a preferred source on Google