Slovan's results in Slovakia are very strong and they were more dangerous side in the first tie. I think Yaya Toure's side is underestimated and I like their chances of advancing.
Key Stats
- Celje are winless in 5 of their last 7 matches.
- Celje are winless in their last 3 matches against Slovan Bratislava.
- Slovan Bratislava have won 6 of their last 8 matches.
Three Previous Meetings
Besides last week's clash in Slovakia, these two sides locked horns in the UCL qualifiers in July 2024, Slovan winning 6-1 on aggregate.
Celje Struggled in All Three Rounds so Far
Celje were more than happy to take a 1-1 draw in Bratislava last week, considering they had 0.30-1.66 expected goals and 8-14 shots. Milot Avdyli was their sole scorer just before the break on Mario Kvesic's assist.
Prior to this round, the Slovenian champions were involved in two dramatic ties, starting with a win over Egnatia on penalties (5-5 on aggregate) and 3-2 aggregate win over Ararat Armenia.
Vitor Campelos’ side is having mixed results in the Slovenian top flight this season, claiming eight points in four rounds.
Slovan Were Close to Winning the First Tie
Slovan Bratislava were the more dangerous side in the first match against Celje. Roman Cerepkai scored an early goal but also missed a huge opportunity to secure advantage for the Slovakian side.
Before this round they eliminated Iberia 3-1 on aggregate and then Swedish champions Mjallby 4-1 which were first games under new head manager Yaya Toure.
Slovan Bratislava have been very convincing in the Slovakian top flight this season, earning four convincing wins in four rounds against Banska Bystrica 5-0, Podbrezova 3-0, Ruzomberok 5-0 and most recently Kosice 2-1.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
Celje (4-2-3-1) Zan-Luk Leban; Pijus Sirvys, Darko Hrka, Artemijus Tutyskinas, Milot Avdyli; Papa Daniel, Mark Zabukovnik; Matic Ivansek, Svit Seslar, Mario Kvesic; Armandas Kucys
Winger Benjamin Verbic suffered a minor knock and is likely to start on bench.
Slovan Bratislava (4-3-3) Dominik Takac; Cesar Blackman, Kenan Bajric, Svetozar Markovic, Sandro Cruz; Rahim Ibrahim, Peter Pokorny, Cristian Martinez; Tigran Barseghyan, Roman Cerepkai, Suleiman Camara
Mykola Kukharevych won't travel to Slovenia due to a hamstring jury, while Andraz Sporar is doubtful, lacking fitness at the moment.