Celje vs Shamrock Rovers predictions ahead of this clash in Europa League qualifying. Slovenian champions Celje host Irish side Shamrock Rovers at Arena Petrol on Thursday evening for the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
Europa League | Third Qualifying Round | 1st Leg | Aug 8, 2024 at 7.15pm UK at Stadion Z’dezele
Celje vs Shamrock Rovers Predictions
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Will Celje and Shamrock Rovers Find the Edge in Their Europa League Battle?
Key Stats
Both Celje and Shamrock Rovers have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five matches.
Aljosa Matko has scored in two of his last three home appearances for Celje.
Shamrock Rovers have averaged 15.5 shots per game in their current league campaign.
The upcoming clash between Slovenian champions Celje and Irish outfit Shamrock Rovers at the Arena Petrol promises to be an intriguing affair. As both teams strive to progress to the main stage of the newly-expanded 2024-25 Europa League, there are numerous factors to consider.
Match Preview
Celje find themselves in the Europa League qualifiers after a crushing 6-1 aggregate defeat to Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League second round. Despite holding their own in a 1-1 draw during the first leg, they were utterly dismantled in a 5-0 loss in the return fixture. This setback came on the heels of their triumphant second Slovenian PrvaLiga title, where they finished 13 points clear of Maribor. However, their defence of the domestic title started with a mixed bag of results, including a 2-1 victory over NK Bravo and a narrow 1-0 defeat to Mura.
Shamrock Rovers, on the other hand, were also relegated to the Europa League qualifiers following a 6-2 aggregate loss to Sparta Prague. Despite a promising start against Vikingur Reykjavik, the Irish side’s form has been inconsistent, marked by a three-game losing streak across all competitions. Their recent 2-1 win against Waterford, thanks to a late goal from substitute Graham Burke, was a much-needed boost.
Team News
For Celje, the potential return of midfielder Tamar Svetlin could be significant, though he has missed the last two matches due to an unspecified issue. The suspension of defender Damjan Vuklisevic opens the door for Klemen Nemanic or newcomer Slavko Bralic to partner David Zec in central defence. The performance of Aljosa Matko, who has two goals and one assist in six games this season, will be crucial.
Shamrock Rovers face their own injury woes, particularly with the absence of experienced striker Rory Gaffney. However, the potential return of top scorer Johnny Kenny, who boasts 10 goals in his last 16 appearances, could provide a timely boost. Josh Honohan may also reclaim his place in the starting lineup, adding depth to their defensive and midfield options.
Expected Lineups
Celje: Stubljar; Karnicnik, Bralic, Zec, Krefl; Bobicanec, Kvesic, Popovic; Matko, Kucys, Brnic
Shamrock Rovers: Pohls; Hoare, Lopes, Grace; Honohan, Watts, Poom, Towell, Kavanagh; Greene, Kenny
Analysis
Celje’s Strategy and Form
Celje’s recent performances have been erratic, with their defence particularly under scrutiny. Their ability to hold possession, as evidenced by an average of 72.2% ball possession and 591 accurate passes per game, demonstrates their control in midfield. However, their defensive frailties, highlighted by their recent clean sheet record, are a cause for concern.
Aljosa Matko, with his recent goal-scoring form, will be pivotal in their attack. His versatility and ability to drift wide or play centrally offer Celje dynamic options in the final third. The suspension of Vuklisevic means their defensive lineup will be tested, and the coordination between Bralic and Zec will be crucial.
Shamrock Rovers’ Prospects
Shamrock Rovers will be buoyed by their recent league win, but their form in Europe has been less convincing. Their strength lies in their offensive versatility, with Johnny Kenny and Aaron Greene offering different attacking threats. Kenny’s goal-scoring prowess, combined with Greene’s ability to create space and opportunities, makes them a formidable pair.
Defensively, Rovers have struggled to maintain consistency. Their average of 1 goal conceded per game and reliance on their midfield to control the tempo, as indicated by their 63% ball possession, means they need to be vigilant against a team that thrives on maintaining possession like Celje.
Key Battles and Field Dynamics
The midfield battle between Celje’s Denis Popovic and Shamrock Rovers’ Dylan Watts could be decisive. Popovic’s ability to dictate play and Watts’ creative spark will be pivotal in determining which team can dominate possession and create chances.
In the attacking third, the duel between Matko and Shamrock Rovers’ defensive duo of Lopes and Grace will be fascinating. Matko’s form makes him a constant threat, while Lopes and Grace need to be at their best to contain him.
Predictions
Best Bet: Draw
Considering the recent form of both teams and their defensive vulnerabilities, a draw appears to be the most likely outcome. Celje’s home advantage and Shamrock Rovers’ resilience suggest a balanced encounter where neither side can afford to lose ground ahead of the second leg.
Correct Score Prediction: Celje 1-1 Shamrock Rovers
Aligning with the best bet prediction, a 1-1 draw seems plausible. Both teams have shown they can score, but their defensive records indicate that neither is likely to keep a clean sheet. Matko and Kenny are expected to find the net, capitalising on defensive lapses.
Goalscorer Prediction: Aljosa Matko
Given his current form and importance to Celje’s attacking play, Matko is a strong candidate to score. His ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a constant threat, especially against a Shamrock Rovers side that has struggled defensively.
Corners Prediction: Total Corners Over 10.5
Both teams average around six corners per game, indicating a high likelihood of frequent set-piece opportunities. Celje’s attacking approach and Shamrock Rovers’ counter-attacking style are likely to result in numerous corners throughout the match.
Innovative Market Prediction: Total Shots on Target – Over 9.5
With both teams averaging over five shots on target per game, this market provides an interesting angle. Celje’s 12.5 shots per game and Shamrock Rovers’ 15.5 suggest an attacking game with plenty of goalmouth action.
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