Egnatia vs Celje prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
In the Champions League qualifying quarterfinals on July 22, 2026, Egnatia and Celje will play their first match. Both sides are hoping to secure a victory in this encounter.
Egnatia vs Celje: Team News and Expert Analysis
The club from Rrogozhinë was founded at the beginning of the last century. However, it became national champion for the first time only in 2024, also adding the cup to its achievements. The team then lost twice in finals, but the most important thing was that it managed to maintain first place. This was also the case in the 2025/2026 season, when after the first half of the season, Egnatia was only in third place, but eventually overtook Elbasani for the top spot due to better tiebreakers with equal points.
The team from Celje resembles its opponent. After a hundred years of existence, it became champion for the first time in 2020. The club repeated this success in 2024 and 2026. This season, they have already played the opening round against Mura. Despite falling behind twice, they managed to claim at least a draw.
The Albanians have already started their qualification campaign. Away against Petrocub, they played out a draw. However, at home they then thrashed the Moldovans 6-1, scoring three times in each half. The visitors are only now entering the competition.
Previous Matches: Egnatia vs Celje
Despite representing neighboring, relatively small countries, the clubs have never played each other before, not even in a friendly match.
The home field advantage and match fitness should make a difference. We predict the hosts will avoid defeat (odds – 1.68).
Egnatia vs Celje: Key Statistics and Trends
- Egnatia has won five of their last six matches
- On average, the club scores 1.28 goals per game and concedes 0.9.
- 33% of Egnatia's matches end with goals from both teams and the average total goals per match is 2.18.
- Celje has drawn three of their last four games
- The club scores an average of 2.5 goals and concedes 0.94
Egnatia vs Celje: Probable Starting Lineups
Egnatia plays in a 1-5-3-2 formation (probable lineup): Dajsinani - Andrei Yago, Jaime, Djemaili, Bitri, Sota - Lukili, Fernando Medeiros, Kryeziu - Bakayoko, Albanese
Celje plays in a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Kolar - Seslar, Požeg Vancaš, Karnicnik, Vuklišević - Papa Daniel, Avdili, Kvesić - Hrka, Iosifov, Kučis
Follow the Champions League qualification standings and check your team's form before betting on the next match.