LASK vs Liebherr Grazer AK 31 July 2026 Prediction

The opening round of the new Austrian Bundesliga season brings LASK and GAK together at Raiffeisen Arena in Linz. Both teams began their competitive campaigns with convincing clean-sheet wins in the Austrian Cup. LASK defeated Kalsdorf 7-0, while GAK beat Donaufeld 4-0. LASK showed exceptional finishing in its cup match, scoring seven times from seven shots on target. Can the defending champion maintain that efficiency in the league opener?

LASK

LASK won the Austrian Bundesliga title last season after producing consistent results throughout the campaign. Across 32 rounds, the team recorded 17 wins, seven draws, and eight losses with a 56-42 goal difference. LASK averaged 1.75 goals scored and 1.31 conceded per match. At home, the team regularly controlled possession and applied sustained pressure to opposing defenses.

LASK also maintained solid attacking numbers during preseason. The team played four summer friendlies, recording two wins and two losses with an 8-4 goal difference. Those matches averaged three total goals, with LASK scoring two and conceding one per game. In its first competitive match of the new season, LASK comfortably defeated Kalsdorf 7-0 in the Austrian Cup.

GAK

GAK finished ninth in the Austrian Bundesliga last season. The team recorded nine wins, 10 draws, and 13 losses across 32 matches, scoring 42 goals and conceding 45. That works out to an average of 1.31 goals scored and 1.41 allowed per game. Away from home, GAK usually relied on a compact defensive setup and quick counterattacks, but it also made frequent mistakes around its own penalty area.

GAK played four preseason friendlies, earning one win and one draw while losing twice. The team averaged 1.25 goals scored and 1.4 conceded in those matches. GAK opened its Austrian Cup campaign with a convincing 4-0 away victory over Donaufeld.

Match Motivation

The opening round can establish momentum for the early part of the season. As the defending champion, LASK will be expected to begin its title defense with a home win and three points. GAK will look to challenge the favorite and gain confidence by earning a result away from home.

Team News

LASK will be without injured forwards Moses Usor and Ramiz Harakaté, as well as midfielder Art Smakaj. In their absence, Robert Ljubičić should have an important role in the hosts’ attack after establishing himself as one of the team’s leading scorers. GAK defender Jacob Italiano is sidelined with a muscle injury. Daniel Maderner remains the visitors’ main attacking threat after scoring 10 goals last season.

LASK vs GAK Prediction: Over 2.5 Total Goals

• Main prediction: LASK regularly creates sustained pressure at home, while GAK has shown defensive weaknesses in away matches. The hosts should generate plenty of chances, but the visitors are also capable of threatening on the counterattack. The pick is over 2.5 total goals at 1.75. We estimate the probability of this outcome at 63%, making odds above 1.59 worth considering.
• Goal prediction: Both teams showed strong attacking form in their opening cup matches. LASK’s personnel changes in defense may also give GAK opportunities to score. The pick is both teams to score at 1.75. We estimate the probability of this outcome at 60%, making odds above 1.67 worth considering.