Celje host Slovan Bratislava at Stadion Z’dežele with their Champions League group-stage place at stake, after last week’s 1-1 draw in Slovakia left the play-off balanced.

Celje’s Home Form Gives Them the Edge in a Level Tie

Celje earned a deserved 1-1 first-leg draw despite facing 15 shots, with Milot Avdyli cancelling out Roman Čerepkai’s opener before half-time. Slovan managed only two shots on target, while the Counts produced four from eight attempts and held 53% possession.

They’ve also won their last three matches at Stadion Z’dežele, including a 2-0 Champions League victory over Ararat-Armenia. The home advantage could be significant in a tie decided by two matches.

Vítor Campelos has no major new absences reported, and Avdyli is the key threat after registering two goals and one assist across his last five appearances.

NK Celje predicted lineup vs Slovan Bratislava (4-3-3): Leban; Širvys, Tutyškinas, Vukliševič, Koutris; Hrka, Zabukovnik, Kvesić; Avdyli, Kučys, Verbič.

Slovan’s Attacking Depth Keeps the Tie Dangerous

Slovan were the more aggressive side in Bratislava with 15 attempts, but only two hit the target as Celje restricted Yaya Touré’s team to a 1-1 draw. Čerepkai scored just 15 minutes into his first Sky Blues start after completing only two training sessions, providing an immediate alternative up front.

Mykola Kukharevych remains injured, and Andraž Šporar works back towards full fitness. Suleiman Camara has contributed two goals and an assist in his last six appearances, while Slovan have scored in all five Champions League qualifiers this season.

Slovan Bratislava predicted lineup vs NK Celje (4-2-3-1): Takáč; Blackman, Marković, Bajrić, Cruz; Mustafić, Pokorný; Camara, Martínez, Barseghyan; Čerepkai.

NK Celje vs Slovan Bratislava Prediction

Safe Tip: Celje or Draw
Odds: 1.43 (22Bet)
Correct score prediction: NK Celje 2-1 Slovan Bratislava
22Bet Booking Code: 4LHNC

Key stats:

  • Celje had 53% possession and four shots on target in the 1-1 first leg.
  • They have won their last three home matches, conceding only one goal.
  • Slovan have failed to beat Celje in two of their three Champions League H2Hs.

Celje or Draw is our safe pick. Vitor Campelos’ team survived the more difficult away leg while matching the Sky Blues in possession and creating twice as many shots on target. They have since returned to a venue where their last Champions League match ended in a 2-0 victory.

The H2H also makes Slovan difficult to trust as away favourites. Both meetings played in the Counts ended 1-1, including the 2024 qualifier. The 1.43 price implies roughly a 70% probability, and Celje’s home form plus their first-leg performance make the pick logical.

NK Celje vs Slovan Bratislava Prediction, Value Tip

Value Tip: GG - Yes
Odds: 1.72 (22Bet)
22Bet Booking Code: ESJNC

BTTS at 1.72 looks attractive because the first leg already produced goals at both ends. Celje have now scored in seven consecutive Champions League qualifiers this season, with their six matches before this return leg producing 12 total goals.

The Sky Blues offer the other half of the equation after scoring in all five of their Champions League qualifiers, including both away fixtures. With the aggregate score locked at 1-1, neither side can protect a lead from the opening whistle. Slovan’s striker issues have not stopped them from scoring in Europe.

Verdict: Celje or Draw (1.438) - NK Celje 2-1 Slovan Bratislava.