Celje vs Ararat-Armenia prediction: teams form analysis, possible lineups on August 11, 2026
In the Champions League qualifying semi-final on August 11, 2026, the return match will be played between Celje and Ararat-Armenia. The visitors only need a draw to advance.
Celje vs Ararat-Armenia: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Celje reached the Conference League playoffs last season, and their coach, Albert Riera, left for Germany. Still, they managed to reclaim the championship after a one-year break. This season, they started with draws against Mura and Maribor, and only managed to defeat Olimpija. In parallel, they struggled to get past Egnatia: all the matches ended in draws, even after extra time, but they eventually knocked out the Albanians in a penalty shootout.
The Yerevan team has already won the championship three times in its eight-year history. Notably, they claimed the title this spring after a six-year gap! They started this season with a 4-3 win over Gandzasar. Then they beat Urartu, though not as spectacularly—2-1. Prior to that, in the qualifiers, they successively defeated Riga and Shamrock Rovers. In both ties, after 2-0 home wins, they lost by the narrowest margin away: 2-3 in Latvia, 1-2 in Ireland.
Last week, the visitors earned and converted a penalty midway through the first half. To their credit, the Armenians regrouped and secured a comeback victory.
Previous Matches: Celje vs Ararat-Armenia
In autumn 2020, the clubs met in the Europa League qualifiers. The Armenians advanced thanks to a goal in extra time after a goalless draw.
The hosts are expected to seek revenge, but the visitors have their own strengths. The recommended bet is "both teams to score" (odds – 1.91).
Celje vs Ararat-Armenia: Key Statistics and Trends
- Celje have drawn five of their last seven matches
- The team averages 2.5 goals scored and 0.94 conceded per game
- Ararat-Armenia have won all three home qualifiers so far, but lost both previous away matches
- The club averages 1.77 goals scored and almost half as many conceded, at 0.92 per game
Celje vs Ararat-Armenia: Probable Starting Lineups
Celje are expected to line up in a 1-3-4-3 formation (probable lineup): Leban - Tutishkin, Shirvis, Hrka - Kvesic, Zabukovnik, Papa Daniel, Tusha - Avdili, Seslar, Kucis
Ararat-Armenia are expected to use a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Joao Bravim - Grigoryan, Malis, Wilson, Bueno - Oliveira, Carlier, Muradyan - Banjaki, Sandro Lima, Serobyan
Place your bet on the upcoming match and follow the teams’ performance in the Champions League qualifying group table
