LASK Linz vs Grazer AK prediction for 31 July 2026, featuring summer transfers, betting odds and the best bet.
Introduction
The new Austrian Bundesliga season begins on Friday evening with defending champions LASK hosting Grazer AK at the Raiffeisen Arena.
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 local time on 31 July 2026. It is not only the first league match for both clubs, but also the opening fixture of the entire 2026/27 Bundesliga campaign. LASK enter the season as the reigning league and cup winners, while GAK are beginning another campaign in which stability and survival will be their first priorities.
Both teams opened their competitive seasons with comfortable Austrian Cup victories. LASK won 7-0 away to SC Kalsdorf, while Grazer AK recorded a 4-0 success at Donaufeld. The level of opposition was obviously lower than what either side will face on Friday, but the results showed that both teams are physically ready and already capable of turning possession into goals.
Readers looking for High-odds football predictions this weekend may be tempted to build an aggressive selection around the champions, but the basic LASK win is shorter than it first appears on some markets. A handicap bet offers a more useful balance between price and risk.
There is also an interesting transfer story behind the fixture. Ramiz Harakaté, who scored 11 Bundesliga goals for GAK last season, moved to LASK during the summer. However, he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during the cup match in Kalsdorf and will be unavailable for a long period.
LASK are still clear favourites. They have the stronger squad, home advantage and a recent head-to-head record that has generally favoured them. Grazer AK, however, have added experience in several key positions and will not travel to Linz simply to defend their penalty area for 90 minutes.
Article updated on 30 July 2026. Odds and expected lineups may change before kick-off.
Summer Changes
LASK Linz
LASK’s summer has been about protecting the structure that won the domestic double while replacing several important members of the championship squad.
Didi Kühbauer remains in charge after guiding LASK to the Austrian title. His team finished last season with an excellent run, winning four of its final five league matches and drawing the other. Victories over Hartberg, Rapid Vienna, Salzburg and Austria Vienna carried LASK to the championship.
The biggest departures include Sasa Kalajdzic, Lukas Kačavenda and Modou Keba Cissé. The loan agreements for Kalajdzic and Kačavenda expired, while Cissé completed his previously arranged transfer to Aston Villa. Ismaila Coulibaly later moved to RAAL La Louvière, and Maximilian Entrup joined Eintracht Braunschweig.
Those departures removed height, midfield depth and attacking alternatives, but LASK have responded with several experienced additions.
Alessandro Schöpf arrived from Wolfsberger AC shortly after representing Austria at the 2026 World Cup. The former Schalke midfielder offers experience, positional flexibility and the ability to play in several central roles.
Robert Ljubičić joined on loan from AEK Athens with an option to buy. He has previously worked with Kühbauer and can operate as a defensive midfielder, box-to-box player or left-sided option. Ljubičić made his first start in the 7-0 cup victory and should be involved again against GAK.
Yvan Dibango has added another athletic left-footed defender to the squad. He arrived from Kryvbas with European experience and a record of contributing assists from defensive positions. LASK also made the transfers of João Tornich and Kryštof Daněk permanent.
Harakaté was supposed to be one of the most exciting attacking signings. He produced 11 goals and four assists for GAK last season, but the serious knee injury suffered in Kalsdorf means his first LASK campaign has been interrupted almost immediately.
LASK still have Samuel Adeniran, Christoph Lang, Moses Usor, Daněk and Sascha Horvath available. That group should provide enough attacking quality for the home side to start the league season strongly.
Grazer AK
GAK have also been active, although their transfer strategy has focused more on experience and defensive stability.
The most recognisable arrival is goalkeeper Cican Stanković. The 33-year-old has won six Austrian league titles and has extensive Champions League experience from his years with Salzburg. He made his competitive GAK debut in the 4-0 cup win and immediately kept a clean sheet.
Peter Michorl is another major addition. He spent a decade with LASK, recording 193 Bundesliga appearances, 24 goals and 52 assists during that period. The midfielder returned to Austria after playing for Atromitos in Greece and has signed with GAK until 2028. His first competitive appearance for his new club produced a goal against Donaufeld.
That makes Friday’s match particularly personal. Michorl knows the Raiffeisen Arena, Kühbauer’s methods and several LASK players extremely well. He should also take responsibility for many of GAK’s corners and free kicks.
Leon Klassen has joined permanently after spending the second half of last season in Graz on loan from Darmstadt. He scored from distance in the cup and gives Feldhofer a flexible option at wing-back or full-back.
Defensive midfielder Liam Hermesh has arrived from Sheriff Tiraspol, while 20-year-old centre-back Petar Marković has joined from Bologna. Hermesh started against Donaufeld, and Marković is viewed as a player who could quickly challenge the more established central defenders.
Tim Trummer, on loan from Salzburg, scored the opening cup goal but suffered a thigh problem during the same action. GAK had not confirmed the full extent of the injury at the time of the latest official update, making him doubtful for the trip to Linz.
The significant attacking loss is Harakaté. His speed and 15 direct goal contributions were important to GAK’s survival last season. The club have added depth, but replacing his productivity will require several players to contribute rather than one direct replacement.
Team Form
LASK Linz Form
LASK’s preparation produced two very different periods.
The champions began with comfortable victories over lower-level opponents, defeating Bad Schallerbach 6-0 and Hertha Wels 5-0. Results then became more difficult against stronger opposition. LASK lost 2-0 to Dynamo Kyiv, 2-0 to Ingolstadt and 2-1 to Fenerbahçe.
The performance against Fortuna Düsseldorf was much more encouraging.
LASK won 2-0 at the Raiffeisen Arena after controlling most of the match. Kasper Jørgensen scored with a volley following a corner, while Harakaté added the second. Moses Usor also returned from injury and hit the post shortly after coming on.
The 7-0 cup victory over Kalsdorf then gave the attack another confidence boost.
LASK needed 39 minutes to open the scoring, with Andrés Andrade heading in from a corner. After half-time, the difference in quality became obvious. Christoph Lang scored four times, Adeniran and Daněk also found the net, and LASK finished the evening with seven unanswered goals.
The final score was impressive, but the first half provided a useful warning. LASK created chances without finishing them and briefly lost their rhythm after Harakaté’s injury. GAK will be much better organised than Kalsdorf and will punish careless possession more effectively.
The wider trend remains strong. LASK finished the previous league season unbeaten in their last five matches, scoring 14 goals during that run. They defeated Austria Vienna 3-0 on the final day to secure the title.
Grazer AK Form
GAK’s summer has been less consistent.
They began with a respectable 2-2 draw against Hungarian champions ETO Győr. Michorl scored on his first appearance, while Mark Grosse converted a second-half penalty. GAK then lost 1-0 to Slovan Bratislava and 4-2 to First Vienna before defeating Kapfenberger SV 1-0.
The most concerning result was a 5-0 defeat against Dynamo Dresden.
That friendly was played over 120 minutes, and both teams rotated heavily, so the score should not be treated like a standard competitive result. Even so, Dresden controlled long periods and exposed gaps in GAK’s shape.
GAK responded well in the cup.
They controlled the opening stages against Donaufeld, eventually winning 4-0 through goals from Trummer, Alexander Hofleitner, Klassen and Michorl. Three summer signings scored, while Stanković kept a clean sheet on debut.
Ferdinand Feldhofer was not completely satisfied despite the result. He said that the team still had plenty of room for improvement, which was a fair assessment. Donaufeld caused a few uncomfortable moments during the first half, and GAK only fully settled the contest after scoring early in the second period.
The visitors can also take confidence from the end of last season.
GAK won two of their final three league matches, beating WSG Tirol 4-0 and Blau-Weiß Linz 3-0, with a 2-2 draw against Altach between those victories. That late improvement helped them remain in the top division.
Tactical Analysis
How LASK May Play
Kühbauer is expected to keep the three-defender system that helped LASK win the title.
In the cup, Andrade, Xavier Mbuyamba and Tornich formed the back three. George Bello and Jørgensen provided the width, while Horvath and Ljubičić controlled the central spaces. Daněk and Harakaté initially supported Adeniran.
With Harakaté unavailable, Lang is the obvious candidate to move into the attacking line.
He replaced the injured forward in Kalsdorf and scored four goals. Those finishes came from different situations: controlled attacks, low shots, a penalty and late movement inside the box. He has made an extremely strong case to start the league opener.
LASK’s wing-backs will be important.
Bello and Jørgensen should push high enough to force Klassen and GAK’s opposite wing-back towards their own defensive line. If the visitors defend with five players across the back, LASK will need to switch possession quickly rather than repeatedly attack the same side.
Horvath should remain the main organiser.
He can drop close to the central defenders when LASK build from the back, but he is also capable of moving forward and creating around the penalty area. Ljubičić’s energy allows Horvath to take more freedom because the new signing can cover the spaces left behind him.
GAK are physically strong in central defence, so LASK should avoid playing only high crosses towards Adeniran.
Pines, Owusu and Oberleitner are comfortable attacking aerial balls. The better route is likely to involve low deliveries behind the defensive line, quick combinations with Daněk and shots from the edge of the penalty area.
LASK will also press aggressively.
GAK want Michorl involved early in their buildup. If Adeniran and the two supporting attackers can block passes into him, the visitors may be forced to play longer balls towards Grosse and Hofleitner.
How Grazer AK May Play
Feldhofer used a system close to 3-4-1-2 or 3-5-2 in the cup.
Pines, Oberleitner and Owusu formed the defensive line, with Trummer and Klassen working as wing-backs. Hermesh protected the centre, Michorl controlled distribution and captain Christian Lichtenberger moved between midfield and the attack. Grosse and Hofleitner played as the two forwards.
The shape is designed to make GAK difficult to play through centrally.
Hermesh can remain close to the centre-backs while Michorl moves towards the ball. Lichtenberger then provides the energy to press or support the forwards.
The biggest problem will be protecting the wide areas.
LASK’s wing-backs regularly move high, while Daněk and Lang can drift into the half-spaces. If Klassen and Trummer’s replacement are forced back, GAK may end up defending with a flat back five and very little support for the strikers.
Michorl’s passing could provide the escape route.
He knows how LASK press and should recognise when to play through the centre and when to send an early diagonal pass towards a forward. Grosse can compete physically with LASK’s centre-backs, while Hofleitner offers more movement away from the main striker.
Set pieces may be GAK’s best attacking weapon.
Michorl’s delivery, the height of Pines and Owusu and the movement of Hofleitner can all create problems. LASK conceded relatively few goals last season, but an opening-day match can still produce mistakes in defensive organisation.
GAK must also be careful not to defend too deep from the first minute.
Allowing LASK to attack continuously would eventually produce shots, corners and second balls around the penalty area. Feldhofer’s team need to press in selected moments and give their defence time to move forward.
Key Players
Christoph Lang – LASK
Lang enters the opening league match after scoring four goals in the Austrian Cup.
He was not originally selected to start against Kalsdorf, but Harakaté’s injury gave him an early opportunity. Lang took full advantage and now looks like the logical replacement in LASK’s front three.
His movement could be more useful against GAK than that of a fixed winger. Lang can start outside, move behind Adeniran and arrive late when the defence is focused on the central striker.
Sascha Horvath – LASK
Horvath remains the player most responsible for the rhythm of LASK’s possession.
He can play through pressure, deliver set pieces and find passes between opposing midfielders. The home side will expect to control the ball, so Horvath’s patience and decision-making should be central to the performance.
GAK may assign Lichtenberger to stay close to him, which would create more room for Ljubičić or Daněk.
Samuel Adeniran – LASK
Adeniran scored from the penalty spot in the match that secured the championship and found the net again against Kalsdorf.
He gives LASK a strong presence through the middle and should occupy at least two central defenders. His ability to protect the ball will allow the wing-backs and attacking midfielders to join attacks.
Robert Ljubičić – LASK
Ljubičić made his first start only three days after his transfer was announced.
His performance in the cup was a useful first step, but the Bundesliga opener will provide a better test of his role. He brings running power, experience and enough flexibility to move between central midfield and the left side.
Cican Stanković – Grazer AK
Stanković is exactly the type of goalkeeper GAK need for a difficult away match.
He has played in major European fixtures, understands pressure and is comfortable organising the defence. His clean sheet against Donaufeld was routine, but the number and quality of shots he faces in Linz should be much higher.
Peter Michorl – Grazer AK
Michorl’s return to Linz is one of the main stories of the match.
He spent ten years at LASK and knows the stadium, supporters and many of his opponents. GAK signed him to improve their control of possession and their quality from set pieces.
He scored on his competitive debut and will probably take most of the visitors’ corners and free kicks.
Christian Lichtenberger – Grazer AK
Lichtenberger remains an important link between midfield and attack.
He provided the cross for Hofleitner’s goal in the cup and can create danger when moving into the right channel. His work without the ball will be just as important because he may need to help GAK close down Horvath.
Alexander Hofleitner – Grazer AK
Hofleitner scored with a header against Donaufeld and was involved in several of GAK’s better first-half attacks.
His movement can create space for Grosse, while his aerial ability gives the visitors another target for Michorl’s deliveries.
Expected Lineups
The expected teams are based on the cup lineups, current squad information and the latest confirmed injuries.
LASK Expected Lineup
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Lukas Jungwirth;
Andrés Andrade, Xavier Mbuyamba, João Tornich;
Kasper Jørgensen, Robert Ljubičić, Sascha Horvath, George Bello;
Kryštof Daněk, Christoph Lang;
Samuel Adeniran.
Possible changes: Moses Usor could replace Lang or Daněk after returning from injury. Yvan Dibango is an alternative at left wing-back, while Melayro Bogarde and Alessandro Schöpf provide further midfield options.
Unavailable: Ramiz Harakaté is out after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Grazer AK Expected Lineup
Formation: 3-4-1-2
Cican Stanković;
Donovan Pines, Yannick Oberleitner, Beres Owusu;
Matthias Gragger, Liam Hermesh, Peter Michorl, Leon Klassen;
Christian Lichtenberger;
Mark Grosse, Alexander Hofleitner.
Possible changes: Daniel Maderner could replace one of the two forwards, while Ismaël Guerti and Anderson offer midfield alternatives. Petar Marković may be introduced if Feldhofer wants another tall central defender.
Doubtful: Tim Trummer suffered a thigh injury while scoring against Donaufeld. GAK had not confirmed a return date in its latest official match report.
Head-to-Head
LASK won both league meetings during the 2025/26 season.
They recorded a 1-0 home victory in October before winning 2-1 in Graz in December. GAK’s most recent victory in this fixture was a 1-0 home success in May 2025.
Recent Competitive Meetings
- Grazer AK 1-2 LASK – 13 December 2025
- LASK 1-0 Grazer AK – 25 October 2025
- Grazer AK 1-0 LASK – 17 May 2025
- LASK 1-0 Grazer AK – 5 April 2025
- Grazer AK 0-0 LASK – 16 February 2025
- LASK 4-2 Grazer AK – 21 September 2024
Three of the last four meetings produced fewer than 2.5 goals. LASK have also won each of their last three home league matches against GAK, although two of those victories finished only 1-0.
That history supports the home side but also warns against assuming that the match will automatically become one-sided.
Betting Markets
The following prices were available before the match and should be treated as indicative. There are significant differences between bookmakers.
LASK to Win
The LASK home win is available in a range of approximately 1.50 to 1.67. The draw is priced around 3.50 to 3.90, while a GAK victory is generally available between 4.20 and 4.80.
LASK are the correct favourites. They are champions, finished last season strongly and have home advantage.
The price around 1.50 is too short for a single selection, but 1.65 or higher would be more reasonable.
Verdict: Likely outcome, but the value depends heavily on the bookmaker.
LASK Asian Handicap -0.75
LASK -0.75 is priced at approximately 1.82 to 1.90.
This line produces a full win if LASK win by two or more goals. A one-goal home victory returns half of the profit, with the other half of the stake refunded.
It is a useful position because recent meetings have often been close, but LASK still have enough quality to create a comfortable winning margin.
Verdict: Strongest market.
Over 2.5 Goals
Over 2.5 goals is available between approximately 1.60 and 1.76, while the under is priced around 1.87 to 2.06.
Both clubs scored freely in the cup, but their recent head-to-head meetings have usually been low scoring.
The main argument for the over is LASK’s attacking depth and the fact that GAK finished last season with several strong offensive results. The argument against it is that the visitors may defend with five players and slow the match down.
Verdict: Reasonable, but not as strong as the handicap.
Both Teams to Score
Early prices put Both Teams to Score – Yes at roughly 1.75, with No close to 2.00.
GAK have enough set-piece quality to score, but LASK kept a clean sheet in the cup and conceded only once across their final two league matches last season.
For readers following today football predictions Malaysia, this is the market where caution is most important. GAK’s 4-0 cup score looks impressive, but the visitors are moving from a regional-league opponent to the reigning Austrian champions.
Verdict: Slight preference for BTTS – No, but not a main bet.
Half-Time Draw
The draw at half-time is priced around 2.30 to 2.40.
Four of the last five league meetings were level after 45 minutes, including both matches played in Linz during 2025.
LASK were also only 1-0 ahead at half-time against Kalsdorf despite dominating possession.
Verdict: An interesting secondary option.
LASK to Win and Over 2.5 Goals
This combination is priced around 2.50 with some operators.
It covers results such as 2-1, 3-0 and 3-1. The market offers a much better return than the standard home win, but it requires either GAK to contribute or LASK to score at least three times.
Verdict: Suitable for a smaller stake.
Best Bet
LASK Asian Handicap -0.75
The preferred selection for LASK vs Grazer AK is:
LASK AH -0.75 – odds around 1.82 to 1.90
The market offers more value than the basic home win without requiring LASK to dominate by three or four goals.
The champions are playing at home, retained their most important tactical structure and ended last season in outstanding form. They scored 14 goals across their final five league matches and have now added nine goals without conceding in their last two summer fixtures against Fortuna Düsseldorf and Kalsdorf.
Harakaté’s injury is a real blow, but Lang’s four-goal cup performance showed that LASK have a ready replacement. Usor is also available again, while Daněk, Horvath, Adeniran and Ljubičić give Kühbauer several different ways to build attacks.
GAK are stronger than they were at the beginning of last season.
Stanković and Michorl add experience, while Klassen, Hermesh and Trummer improve the physical level of the squad. The visitors should be capable of remaining competitive, especially during the first half.
However, the loss of Harakaté has removed their most productive attacker. Trummer’s possible absence would also weaken the right side against LASK’s high wing-backs.
Rather than forcing High-odds football predictions this weekend into a risky home handicap of -1.5, the -0.75 line provides protection if LASK win another close match by a single goal.
Best Bet: LASK AH -0.75
Minimum acceptable odds: 1.80
Score Prediction
LASK Linz 2-0 Grazer AK
GAK should make the opening half competitive.
Their three-centre-back system can protect the penalty area, while Michorl and Hermesh should prevent LASK from playing freely through the middle. Stanković’s experience may also keep the visitors in the game when the home side create early chances.
LASK’s greater depth should become more important after half-time.
Lang, Daněk and Horvath can move between the lines, while Jørgensen and Bello should create overloads on the outside. If GAK are forced to defend deeper, Adeniran will receive more service inside the box.
The visitors remain dangerous from set pieces, but LASK’s defence looked secure during the final weeks of last season and kept clean sheets against Austria Vienna, Fortuna Düsseldorf and Kalsdorf.
Correct score prediction: LASK 2-0 Grazer AK
Alternative prediction: LASK 2-1 Grazer AK
FAQ
When is LASK vs Grazer AK?
The match will be played on Friday, 31 July 2026.
What time does the match start?
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:30 in Austria and 20:30 in Bulgaria.
Where will LASK vs Grazer AK be played?
The match will be played at the Raiffeisen Arena in Linz.
Is this the first Austrian Bundesliga match of the season?
Yes. LASK vs GAK opens the 2026/27 Austrian Bundesliga season.
How did the teams perform in the Austrian Cup?
LASK defeated SC Kalsdorf 7-0, while GAK won 4-0 away to Donaufeld.
Is Ramiz Harakaté available?
No. Harakaté suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in LASK’s cup match and will be unavailable for an extended period.
Is Tim Trummer available for GAK?
Trummer suffered a thigh injury while scoring against Donaufeld. His availability had not been officially confirmed in GAK’s latest published match update.
Who is the favourite?
LASK are the bookmakers’ favourite, with home-win prices ranging from approximately 1.50 to 1.67.
What is the best bet?
LASK -0.75 Asian Handicap at odds of 1.80 or higher is the preferred selection.
What is the predicted score?
The prediction is LASK 2-0 Grazer AK.
Conclusion
LASK begin the new league season in a strong position.
They are the reigning Austrian champions and cup holders, retained Didi Kühbauer and kept most of the structure responsible for last season’s success. Schöpf, Ljubičić and Dibango have added experience and flexibility, even though the departures of Kalajdzic and Cissé have reduced some of the team’s physical power.
The injury to Harakaté is unfortunate, particularly because this match would have been his first league appearance against his former club.
Lang’s performance in the cup has reduced the immediate concern. Four goals after coming off the bench should earn him a starting role or, at minimum, significant minutes against GAK.
The visitors are more interesting than their price suggests.
Stanković is a major improvement in goal, Michorl can control possession and deliver dangerous set pieces, and the back three have enough size to defend crosses. GAK also ended last season well and opened the new campaign with a clean sheet.
Their main challenge is replacing Harakaté’s goals and pace.
GAK may remain organised for long periods, but LASK have more match-winners and far greater depth on the bench. The home side should eventually create enough chances to begin their title defence with three points.
The fixture deserves attention from audiences comparing today football predictions Malaysia, but the most sensible approach is not to chase a dramatic scoreline. A controlled LASK victory is more realistic than an open six-goal match.
Final prediction: LASK to win
Best bet: LASK AH -0.75 at odds of 1.80 or higher
Correct score prediction: LASK 2-0 Grazer AK