Celje vs TNS Predictions

Celje vs TNS predictions for this Conference League fixture. Celje host The New Saints on Thursday in Slovenia, with both teams aiming for a vital win to boost their Conference League knockout round chances. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips..

Conference League | League Stage | Dec 19, 2024 at 8pm UK at Stadion Z’dezele

Celje vs TNS Predictions

Can Celje Capitalise on Home Advantage in a Must-Win Showdown?

• Celje’s Imposing Home Form: Celje have remained unbeaten in six European home matches this season, scoring 16 goals in the process.
• TNS’s Away Day Woes: The New Saints have lost all three of their away matches in the group phase, conceding six goals without reply.
• High-Scoring Hosts: Celje’s home games in Europe this season have averaged over three goals per match, highlighting their attacking threat.

Our Tips

The stakes couldn’t be higher as Celje and The New Saints prepare to lock horns in Slovenia with both sides dreaming of a spot in the Conference League knockout rounds. With Celje sitting precariously in 25th place—just outside the top 24—and TNS trailing in 32nd, the match promises to be a nail-biting affair. The Slovenian champions boast a slender advantage in the standings but face immense pressure to deliver in front of their home crowd.

Celje’s journey to this stage has been marked by historical milestones, including their first-ever qualification for the group stage of a major UEFA competition. Despite that, their European campaign has stuttered of late, with just one win in their last five league matches. A last-gasp defeat to Real Betis and a disheartening loss to Pafos last week have left them needing a win to keep their continental dream alive.

Meanwhile, The New Saints, like their hosts, are newcomers to the group phase. However, their struggles have been even more pronounced, with four defeats in five matches. Craig Harrison’s side arrive in Slovenia knowing that only a win will suffice, and even that might not be enough if other results don’t go their way. The scene is set for a dramatic evening, where determination and grit will decide who continues their European journey.

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Best Bet: Celje to Win and Both Teams to Score

The most compelling bet for this match is backing Celje to secure victory while conceding at least once. Several factors make this a particularly strong prediction, starting with Celje’s formidable home record. The Slovenian side are unbeaten in six home matches across all European competitions this season, including a 5-1 demolition of Istanbul Basaksehir. That kind of firepower at home bodes well for their chances against a struggling TNS side.

What’s more, Celje have demonstrated a knack for creating chances even when the odds are against them. Aljosa Matko, who has been pivotal in their attacking play, is expected to lead the line, supported ably by the likes of Svit Seslar and Zan Karnicnik. This trio has the ability to unlock defences, and against a TNS backline that has conceded two goals per game in the group phase, the opportunities will surely come.

On the flip side, Celje’s defensive frailties cannot be ignored. The Slovenian champions have managed only one clean sheet in their last six matches across all competitions. Against The New Saints, who will throw everything forward in a desperate bid to keep their hopes alive, the possibility of conceding is real. Declan Davies, the visitors’ most potent goal threat, will be eager to exploit any lapses at the back.

This dynamic—Celje’s attacking strength paired with their defensive vulnerabilities—sets the stage for a match where both teams find the net, but the hosts ultimately emerge victorious.

As BettingTips4You.com expert Herrin Kendrick notes, “Celje’s home form is a fortress, but their defensive cracks mean this is a game where goals will flow. Back them to win, but don’t expect a clean sheet—both teams to score is the sweet spot here.”nna could throw a surprise punch, particularly in front of their passionate supporters, their current dip in form and depleted squad suggest they may not have the tools to overcome Copenhagen’s relentless momentum. A narrow victory for the visitors seems the most plausible outcome.

Correct Score Prediction: Celje 3-1 The New Saints

The predicted scoreline of 3-1 aligns perfectly with the best bet rationale. Celje’s attacking firepower at home, combined with The New Saints’ struggles on the road, points to a comfortable, if not entirely straightforward, win for the hosts.

While Celje have averaged close to two goals per game at home in Europe, TNS’s defensive struggles make it likely they’ll concede multiple times once again. However, the Welsh side’s desperation and Declan Davies’ finishing ability suggest they’ll manage to get on the scoresheet. This makes a 3-1 result a plausible and balanced prediction.

The New Saints have failed to keep a clean sheet in all but one of their group phase matches, and their previous away fixtures have seen them ship goals consistently. With Celje’s proven ability to score at home and TNS’s vulnerabilities, this scoreline reflects the expected dynamic of the match.

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