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A place in the Champions League league phase is at stake when Celje host Slovan Bratislava in the second leg of their crucial playoff tie at Arena Z'dezele on Wednesday night.
Celje came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw in the first leg, keeping their hopes of reaching the Champions League league phase for the first time alive.
Slovan will be disappointed not to have taken a lead from the opening meeting, but they head into the decisive clash in excellent form, having won all four of their league games this season.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Celje vs Slovan Bratislava key stats
- Slovan Bratislava have never lost against Celje.
- Celje are undefeated in their last four matches.
- Four of Slovan's last five matches have produced Under 10.5 corners.
Celje vs Slovan Bratislava preview: Can the visitors maintain unbeaten run?
Celje vs Slovan Bratislava — Tale of the Tape
| Celje | vs | Slovan Bratislava |
|---|---|---|
| 4th (Prva Liga) | Position | 2nd (Nike Liga) |
| 8 | Points | 12 |
| 7 | Goals For | 14 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 1 |
| 1 | Clean Sheets | 3 |
| 4th/7th | Home / Away Rank | 2nd/2nd |
Celje have already overcome Egnatia and Ararat-Armenia to reach the final qualifying round, and they are now just one step away from reaching the Champions League league phase.
The Slovenian champions are in a strong position after holding Slovan Bratislava to a 1-1 draw in the first leg. They fell behind but responded through Milot Avdyli to earn a valuable result away from home.
Celje have also made a decent start to their domestic campaign, collecting eight points from their opening four matches and sitting four points behind leaders Maribor.
Mario Kvesic has been one of their standout performers in Europe, scoring four goals in five qualifying appearances, and the forward will be confident of adding to his tally in the decisive second leg.
Slovan Bratislava are the reigning Slovakian champions and are now under the management of former Manchester City and Barcelona midfielder Yaya Toure.
The Sky Blues have made an excellent start to the new season and are unbeaten in their last 11 matches across all competitions.
They began their Champions League qualifying campaign with a win and a draw against Iberia before comfortably seeing off Mjallby in the previous round.
Slovan have also won all four of their league matches this season, so despite the first-leg draw, they will travel to Slovenia with plenty of confidence as they look to reach the league phase.
Celje vs Slovan Bratislava form guide & betting tips
| Celje | vs | Slovan Bratislava |
|---|---|---|
LWWWD |
Form | WWWDW |
| 8 | Goals For | 12 |
| 4 | Goals Against | 3 |
LWD |
UCL Qualifier | WWD |
Whispers predicts: Celje 1-2 Slovan Bratislava
Celje have home advantage and are favourites to progress, with the Slovenian side priced at 11/8 (2.38) to win on the night and book their place in the league phase.
Slovan have plenty of reason to be confident, having won both of their away matches in Champions League qualifying so far, while they are also unbeaten in all previous meetings with Celje. Yaya Toure's side are priced at 2/1 (3.00) to claim another away victory.
Six of Celje's last eight matches have produced goals at both ends, making BTTS – Yes at 5/6 (1.83) an appealing option.
Slovan have also scored the opening goal in nine of their last 10 matches, so Slovan to score first at 5/4 (2.25) could be worth considering.
> BTTS – Yes at 5/6 (1.83) | Likelihood: Probable
> Slovan to score first at 5/4 (2.25) | Likelihood: Outsider
> Under 10.5 corners at 8/13 (1.62) | Likelihood: Probable