Shamrock Rovers and Celje will go head to head on Thursday, 15 August in the second leg of their Europa League third round qualifier.
Shamrock Rovers come into the match 1-0 down after the first leg in Slovenia last week meaning they need to win by 2+ goals on Thursday if they are to make it through to the playoff round.
Celje are in the driving seat following their win last week, which makes their task much simpler. As part of our latest round of Europa League betting tips, here is our Shamrock Rovers vs Celje prediction.
Contents
Shamrock Rovers vs Celje Prediction: Celje to complete the double
Key stats
- Shamrock Rovers have won just one of their last six matches in all competitions.
- Celje have won their last two matches in all competitions.
- Three of Celje's last five matches have seen fewer than three goals scored while the same can be said for four of Shamrock Rovers' last six.
Correct score prediction: Shamrock Rovers 0-1 Celje
Celje edged out Shamrock Rovers 1-0 in the first leg last week and that victory spurred them on to another win at the weekend against Radomlje in their Slovenian top flight. Shamrock Rovers meanwhile slumped to a 1-1 draw at home to Drogheda following their defeat in the first leg so all the momentum is with the visitors coming into this one.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Celje tipped to win again
- Home: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
- Draw: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- Away: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
Given how much more competitive Shamrock Rovers looked in the Champions League qualifying round, we're slightly surprised by the bookmakers' odds for this clash. Favouring Celje could be due to home advantage, although we're still unconvinced by the Slovenian side.
We've tipped Shamrock Rovers to win 2-1 and adding BTTS to your bet could significantly increase your odds. However, you may wish to make your own punts and to do so, remember to check out our free betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A second clash
This is the second time that Shamrock Rovers and Celje have met on the football field with this the first match taking place last week. Neither side have a particularly impressive record in European competitions but Shamrock Rovers have played previously made it all the way to the Europa League group stages.
Shamrock Rovers Preview: Nothing to lose
Shamrock Rovers go into the match knowing that they can't really lose by having a go. The Irish giants could turn the tie around to make it to the Europa League playoff round whereas a defeat would still earn them a chance at the Europa Conference League playoff round.
Predicted lineup: Pohls (GK), Honohan, Lopes, Hoare, Cleary, Clarke, Watts, O'Neill, Farrugia, Honohan, Greene, Nugent
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 01/09/24
L
Bohemians Dublin
2
Shamrock Rovers
1
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 29/08/24
L
PAOK Salonika
2
Shamrock Rovers
0
Republic of Ireland Premier Division 25/08/24
D
Galway United
1
Shamrock Rovers
1
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 22/08/24
L
PAOK Salonika
4
Shamrock Rovers
0
UEFA Europa League Qualifying 15/08/24
W
NK Celje
1
Shamrock Rovers
3
Celje Preview: Can they hang on to what they have?
Celje just need to draw on Thursday to qualify for the next round of the Europa League so they may come into this one with a negative mindset. Playing for a draw is never an easy task, particularly away from home in Europe so it will be fascinating to see how they approach the match.
Predicted lineup: Stubljar (GK), Menalo, Nemanic, Zec, Dulca, Brnic, Kvesic, Bobicanec, Matko, Kucys, Pisek
Slovenia Prva Liga 01/09/24
D
FC Koper
0
NK Celje
0
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 29/08/24
W
Pyunik Yerevan
1
NK Celje
4
Slovenia Prva Liga 25/08/24
L
NK Primorje Ajdovscina
3
NK Celje
0
UEFA Conference League Qualifying 22/08/24
L
Pyunik Yerevan
1
NK Celje
0
Slovenia Prva Liga 18/08/24
D
Olimpija Ljubljana
2
NK Celje
2
Player to watch: Armando Kucys
Armando Kucys was given a lifeline by Celje in the summer after he was released from his contract at Kauno Zalgiris in Lithuania. The 21-year-old has fared okay for his new club so far as he looks to repay the faith they have shown in him, scoring two goals in his last two league appearances.
The challenge for Kucys is to now get off the mark in Europe. A goal on Thursday would be huge for Celje and their aspirations for the season.
