Prediction for Celje vs Egnatia
Celje are the most free-scoring team in Slovenia. Last season the Slovenians won the third title in their history and smashed in 85 goals over 34 rounds. At home — 43 goals in 17 matches.
But at the back everything rests on hoping for the opponents’ poor finishing. Albert Riera has left for Eintracht Frankfurt, Vitor Campelos took charge in the spring, and the rebuild is happening right in the middle of the European campaign. The start of the season confirmed it: (2:2) with Mura at home, then (3:3) away. Two competitive matches — five conceded.
Egnatia have not come to sit back. The Albanians won their third league title and immediately dismantled Petrocub 6:1 after a draw in Moldova. Albanese and Bakayoko have been scoring all year, and the first match showed they can breach a defence of this level as well — three goals in 90 minutes in an open game.
Egnatia’s three European matches have produced 15 goals. This is not a run of lucky spells but a style: the team pours forward at any score and leaves huge spaces behind.
And the key thing is the aggregate score. With the current draw (3:3), a level score after 90 minutes means extra time, so no one can sit and wait. Egnatia go out if they fail to score in Slovenia, Celje without a win lose everything they won the league for.
A strong home attack, an opponent who cannot and does not want to shut up shop, and a tie situation in which both sides need to score. It feels like there will be goals here.