Slovan Bratislava vs Celje prediction: team news, lineups, expert analysis
Champions League
In the Champions League qualification final on August 19, 2026, the first match between Slovan Bratislava and Celje will take place. The home club is determined to secure a confident victory.
Slovan Bratislava vs Celje: Team News and Expert Analysis
The Bratislava club is generally very successful at the national level, having not relinquished first place since 2019. Now, under the leadership of new coach Yaya Touré, they have also started with victories. In the last round against Ružomberok, they sealed an emphatic 5-0 win. The guests from Celje claimed only their third title last spring—previously becoming champions in 2020 and 2024. Now, they have already dropped points a couple of times, starting with draws. At least they managed a 3-1 win over Nafta 1903.
So far, the Slovaks have, as expected, had no trouble with their qualification opponents. Against Iberia 1999, they won 2-0 away—even allowing the Georgians a draw at home. Against Mjällby, they achieved a perfect record: 2-1 away and 2-0 at home.
The Slovenians reached the decisive round with much more difficulty. Both legs against Egnatia ended in high-scoring draws—3-3 and 2-2. Fortunately, they beat the Albanians in a penalty shootout. Against Ararat-Armenia, they even lost away, 1-2. At home, they struggled to break through the Armenian defense—which held out for over 80 minutes. In the end, though, they managed a 2-0 win.
Previous matches: Slovan Bratislava vs Celje
Two years ago, the teams already met in qualification. After a draw away, the Slovaks thrashed their opponents at home.
This time, they start at home—and are expected to defeat the Slovenians (odds – 1.77).
Slovan Bratislava vs Celje: Key Statistics and Trends
- Slovan Bratislava has won three out of four previous qualification matches
- The club has scored an average of 1.94 goals, conceding 1.16
- Celje won only in their fourth qualification game
- The team averaged 2.5 goals for and 0.94 against
Slovan Bratislava vs Celje: Probable Starting Lineups
Slovan Bratislava plays a 1-4-3-3 formation (probable lineup): Takac - Krush, Markovic, Bayrich, Blackman - Ibrahim, Pokorny, Mustafic - Kianga, Kamara, Kukharevich
Celje uses a 1-3-1-4-2 formation (probable lineup): Leban - Kutris, Tutyschkin, Shirvis, Hrka - Seslar, Zabukovnik, Kvesic - Avdili, Kuchis, Ivanshek
Follow the Champions League qualification standings and check your team's form before placing a bet on the next match.
