Celje vs AEK Larnaca Predictions

Celje vs AEK Larnaca Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews in Europa League. NK Celje host AEK Larnaca on Thursday night in the Europa League second qualifying round first leg, both sides vying for a strong start towards group stage qualification. Read on for our free predictions and tips.

Europa League | Jul 24 2025 at 7:00 pm UK at the Stadion Z’dežele

Celje vs AEK Larnaca Predictions

Can Celje’s Firepower Break AEK Larnaca’s Wall?

• Celje’s home form firing: The Slovenian side have scored seven goals in their last five fixtures, showcasing real attacking intent when playing at Stadion Z’dežele.
• Larnaca love a clean sheet: The Cypriots have conceded just one goal in their last five matches across all competitions, relying heavily on shape and discipline.
• Caution rewarded with consistency: Celje have racked up 11 yellow cards in their last five matches, highlighting their aggressive style—but also hinting at defensive exposure if they overcommit.

Best Bet for Celje vs AEK Larnaca

Thursday’s Europa League second qualifying round tie between Slovenia’s Celje and Cyprus’ AEK Larnaca promises a real clash of footballing philosophies. The hosts, fresh from a dramatic win over Sabah Baku in the previous round, are riding high on momentum and now eye another night of European significance at Stadion Z’dežele. Their 6-5 aggregate win was nothing short of madness — defending optional, goals guaranteed — but Celje made it through, just about, and followed that up with a tidy league win over NK Maribor. Safe to say they’re buzzing.

Their opponents, though, are cut from a very different cloth. AEK Larnaca are yet to dip their toes into domestic waters this season, but their opening European outing was no walk in the park either. They scraped past Partizan Belgrade — and not in 90 minutes, mind you. That one went to extra-time, and penalties. Classic AEK: not flashy, but gritty and persistent. This isn’t a side that will open up and play into Celje’s hands. Quite the opposite.

This fixture is shaping up to be a game of opposites. Celje are confident, attacking and perhaps a bit chaotic; AEK Larnaca are controlled, structured and lean heavily on their defensive core. So who wins when chaos meets calculation?

Best Bet for Celje vs AEK Larnaca: Celje – Draw No Bet

Here at BettingTips4You, we like to cut through the clutter. That’s why we don’t overwhelm you with five or six different bets per match. Instead, we dig deep, consider every angle, and come up with one standout tip – the ultimate recommendation for the match in question. And for this intriguing clash in Slovenia, our top value play is Celje – Draw No Bet.

Let’s get into the meat of it.

Why we’re backing Celje with protection on the draw

This tie feels more balanced than the bookies’ odds might suggest. While AEK Larnaca are defensively well-drilled and arrive with a six-match unbeaten run, they’ve not exactly dazzled up front. Scoring has been a problem — one goal in their last five outings tells its own story. Relying on grinding out results might work against weaker sides, but against a team like Celje who aren’t afraid to throw bodies forward, that might be a dangerous game.

Celje are flying at home. They’ve bagged seven goals in their last five games and showed their attacking depth in the wild two-legged affair against Sabah. Franko Kovačević has been in sharp form, notching three in his last two, while Nikita Iosifov offers genuine craft out wide. With Simon Sluga solid between the posts and a clear desire to go toe-to-toe with anyone, Celje will likely push from the off.

That said, AEK Larnaca are no mugs. Pere Pons marshals their midfield with authority, and their defensive discipline is what got them past Partizan. If anyone can frustrate Celje, it’s these lot. But if the home side get their noses in front, we’re not convinced AEK have the firepower to chase it. That’s why Draw No Bet gives us a layer of security: if the Cypriots grind out a stalemate, we don’t lose; if Celje nick it – and we think they will – we win.

BettingTips4You.com expert quote:

“There’s no question AEK Larnaca are tough to break down, but Celje’s recent form, especially at home, gives them the edge. Draw No Bet just makes sense when you combine momentum with safety.” – Mark Wighan

Likely scoreline: Celje 1-0 AEK Larnaca

We don’t expect fireworks. Celje will press the issue, but AEK Larnaca aren’t easy to open up. With the hosts pushing early and Larnaca sitting deep, it feels like a moment of quality – or a set piece – will separate them. And let’s be honest, if this ends 0-0, nobody’s shocked either. Still, we’ll back Celje to edge it with their sharper attacking threat.

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