Preview: Celje vs Slovan Bratislava - prediction, team news, lineups

Level after last week's first leg, Celje and Slovan Bratislava will reconvene on Wednesday evening, when the pair complete their Champions League playoff.

Led by 2009 winner Yaya Toure, favourites Slovan failed to make the most of home advantage, so they must now try to topple the hosts in Slovenia.

Match preview

After both clubs fought through two prior rounds of qualifying, they were within one step of the league phase when kicking off this tie last Wednesday.

Celje fell behind in Bratislava when Slovan debutant Roman Cerepkai put the hosts in front, but Milot Avdyli responded with a stunning curler to level the contest.

So, ahead of the home leg at Stadion Z'dezele, a first qualification for the Champions League is still firmly in the Slovenian club's sights.

This year's run is already their longest in qualifying for UEFA's top competition, having previously lost twice in round two - most recently losing 6-1 on aggregate to Slovan in 2024.

As winners of last season's PrvaLiga, they kicked off their campaign by beating Albanian outfit Egnatia on penalties, then dramatically defeated Ararat-Armenia 3-2 in the third round.

Now, Vitor Campelos and co are just one win away from becoming just the second Slovenian team after Maribor to qualify for the Champions League's main phase.

While Celje's domestic game was postponed to aid their Champions League chances, Slovan were back in action at the weekend, beating FC Kosice 2-1 on Saturday.

That result maintained their perfect league record - four wins from four so far - and the Sky Blues are back on top of Slovakia's Super Liga.

Crowned domestic champions again last term, Slovan subsequently hired Toure, whose side beat Iberia Tbilisi 3-1 on aggregate in their opening qualifier.

Then, they defeated shock Swedish champions Mjallby in round three, before letting a precious lead slip in the home leg of this playoff.

Still, they remain in contention for a return to the league phase, having finished 35th out of 36 teams in 2024.

With a record of seven wins and two draws under ex-Barcelona star Toure, the Sky Blues should hold no fear when they head to Slovenia.

Celje Champions League form:

Celje form (all competitions):

Slovan Bratislava Champions League form:

Slovan Bratislava form (all competitions):

Team News

Having found the net four times in five qualifiers so far, Mario Kvesic could be Celje's biggest threat on Wednesday.

Set to support Armandas Kucys up front, Kvesic also assisted Avdyli's equaliser last week. Veteran winger Benjamin Verbic - who recently returned to his childhood club after 11 years away - may have to make do with a place on the bench.

Australia Under-23s starlet Yaya Dukuly scored in their last league game and netted a crucial late goal versus Ararat in round three, but he is more likely to feature as an impact substitute.

Meanwhile, new boy Cerepkai should lead the visitors' attack, as Slovenia striker Andraz Sporar has only just returned from an injury layoff.

Fellow forward Mykola Kukharevych (hamstring) remains a doubt, but Toure - who rotated his squad substantially at the weekend - still has several options to choose from.

Tigran Barseghyan played a part in Cerepkai's first-leg strike, and the Armenian winger scored the final goal against Celje when these sides met in 2024; having joined Slovan earlier this month, Suleiman Camara has scored in two of their last three qualifiers.

Celje possible starting lineup:

Leban; Sirvys, Hrka, Tutyskinias, Avdyli; Daniel, Zabukovnik; Ivansek, Seslar, Kvesic; Kucys

Slovan Bratislava possible starting lineup:

Takac; Blackman, Bajric, Markovic, Cruz; Ibrahim, Pokorny, Martinez; Barseghyan, Cerepkai, Camara

We say: Celje 2-2 Slovan Bratislava (3-3 on aggregate; Slovan Bratislava win after extra time and penalties)

Celje have proven worthy contenders in Champions League qualifying, so they can push Slovan all the way in this tight playoff tie. However, it may still end in heartbreak, as their visitors have more experience and depth.

Even if they lose, entry to the Europa League would offer some consolation: Celje may have played in the Conference League but have never featured in either of UEFA's top two competitions.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.