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Celje vs APOEL: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | Feb 13, 2025

Celje will welcome APOEL to Stadion Z’dežele on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at 5:45 pm UK time, in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League knockout round playoff. The hosts will aim to take advantage of their unbeaten home record in the competition, while the visitors look to extend their strong European away form.

Interesting Fact:

APOEL were unbeaten in away matches during the Conference League league phase, while Celje lost all three of their away fixtures in the competition.

Team Analysis

Celje

Celje secured their place in the knockout playoffs on goal difference, thanks to a 3-2 victory over The New Saints on the final matchday. Their home form was their saving grace, winning two and drawing one in front of their fans.

However, the Slovenian side have struggled in domestic competition, sitting fifth in the PrvaLiga and winless in their last four matches. Their poor form has continued after the winter break, losing both league games since their return, including a 2-1 defeat to Maribor last weekend.

Form:

  • Last 5 matches: L-L-D-W-L
  • Last match: 2-1 loss vs Maribor

Key Players:

  • Edmilson: The forward has been a key attacking threat for Celje and will be crucial in breaking down APOEL’s defense.
  • Žan Karničnik: The right-back has been influential in both defensive solidity and attacking transitions.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Nejc Ajhmajer (out, knee surgery)
  • David Zec (transferred to Holstein Kiel in January)

APOEL

Like Celje, APOEL have struggled domestically this season, sitting fifth in the Cypriot First Division, a massive 18 points behind league leaders Pafos. Their season has been marked by managerial instability, with three different head coaches taking charge before Manolo Jiménez settled into the role.

Despite domestic setbacks, APOEL have looked strong in Europe, only missing out on automatic progression to the last 16 on goal difference. Their 2-1 victory over Fiorentina in November was a major highlight, showing they can compete with top teams in the competition.

Form:

  • Last 5 matches: L-W-D-L-D
  • Last match: 1-1 draw vs Omonia (Cypriot Cup, lost on penalties)

Key Players:

  • Youssef El-Arabi: The experienced striker, who won this competition with Olympiacos last season, will be APOEL’s main goal threat.
  • Anastasios Donis: Scored the winner against Fiorentina and has been a key player in APOEL’s European campaign.

Injuries/Suspensions:

  • Giannis Satsias (suspended, red card vs Astana)

Head-to-Head and Past Encounters

  • Celje faced Cypriot opposition earlier this season, losing 2-0 to Pafos in the league phase.
  • APOEL’s best result in the competition so far was a 2-1 win over Fiorentina in November.
  • Celje are unbeaten at home in the Conference League this season.

Prediction

Goal.mu/Mauri.bet predicts: Celje 1-1 APOEL

Celje’s strong home form should help them hold their own, but APOEL’s experience in Europe and superior squad depth make them a dangerous opponent. Expect a tight contest, with the second leg in Nicosia likely to decide the tie.

Betting Tips

  1. Both Teams to Score: Yes
  2. Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Under 2.5 Goals
  3. Anytime Goalscorer: Youssef El-Arabi

Possible Lineups

Celje (4-4-2):
Rozman; Nieto, Nemanic, Vuklisevic, Karnicnik; Dulca, Zabukovnik, Seslar, Svetlin; Lhernault, Edmilson

APOEL (4-3-3):
Belec; Chebake, Petrovic, Laifis, Quintilla; Abagna, Meyer, Tejera; Marquinhos, El-Arabi, Donis

Hot Stat

APOEL have lost just one of their last seven matches in the UEFA Conference League, showcasing their resilience in European competition.

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