Bayer vs Celjeprediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, September 16, 2026
In the 1st round of the Europa League main phase on September 16, 2026, Bayer will face Celje. Even a draw would be a major upset here.
Bayer vs Celje team news and expert analysis
The Leverkusen club have noticeably declined since Xabi Alonso's departure a year ago. They finished last season in sixth place — quite a drop for a team that had won a "golden double" in 2024! After the summer break, the players began with a confident victory, but that came in the cup against modest Wehen. In the Bundesliga, they surprisingly lost 2-3 to newcomers Elversberg in the very first round. After thrashing Union 4-0 at home, they were then held to a 2-2 draw away to Augsburg.
The team from Celje have dominated Slovenian football in recent years. They won another league title in the spring after a one-year break, making it their third championship in the last seven years! This time, however, they have been dropping points in almost half of their domestic matches. In the latest round, Bravo also defeated them 2-1.
For the Germans, this is their first European fixture of the season. The Slovenians began in the Champions League, where they managed to overcome Egnatia on penalties after two high-scoring draws and Ararat-Armenia (1-2 and 2-0). They even earned a draw in Bratislava, but then lost 1-2 to Slovan at home in extra time.
Head to Head matches: Bayer vs Celje
This will be the first time these visitors have travelled to Germany.
This is the perfect opportunity for the Germans to delight their supporters with a convincing victory after their early setbacks. We are backing them with a -2-goal handicap (odds – 1.70).
Bayer vs Celje: key statistics and trends
- Bayer have won two of their four matches
- Bayer score an average of 2.67 goals and concede 1.67 goals per match
- 67% of Bayer's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 4.33 goals per game
- Celje have won one of their six European matches
- Celje score an average of 1.38 goals and concede 1.38 goals per match
- 63% of Celje's matches have featured goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.75 goals per game
Bayer vs Celje: Possible starting lineups
Bayer play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Flecken - Gutierrez, Tapsoba, Bade, Vazquez - Garcia, Fernandez - Afonso Moreira, Tillman, Maza - Schick
Celje play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (possible lineup): Leban - Tutyshkinas, Avdili, Hrka, Shirvis - Zabukovnik, Papa Daniel - Kvesic, Seslar, Dukuly - Ivancek. Kotnik was sent off in the Champions League, despite already being on the substitutes' bench!
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the Europa League standings.
