Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje: Prediction, Team News & Lineups | 16 September 2026

Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje prediction: Goal.mu predicts Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Celje.

Match Details

• Fixture: Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje
• Competition: UEFA Europa League
• Date: Wednesday, September 16
• Venue: BayArena
• Prediction: Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Celje

Leverkusen Need a Statement

Die Werkself are looking for their third win of the season this week, while the Counts are desperate to avoid a thrashing after a difficult month.

Carles Martinez Novell's Leverkusen have made a mixed start to 2026-27, but will be hoping to lean on their attacking prowess to collect an important three points.

Die Werkself hammered Wehen Wiesbaden 4-0 in the DFB-Pokal on August 22, setting the tone for an ongoing four-match run in which they have scored at least twice in every game.

Celje Arrive in Turmoil

Martinez's side were beaten 3-2 by Elversberg in their Bundesliga opener, though they bounced back by battering Union Berlin 4-0 on September 5, courtesy of goals from four different players.

The First Goal Changes the Risk

The opening goal in Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje would alter the tactical choices available to both teams. For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape.

For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape. For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape.

The Home Side’s Attacking Variety

That victory served to show the variety of attacking options available to Leverkusen, yet they were held to a 2-2 draw by Augsburg last time out, surrendering an early lead and requiring an 89th-minute equaliser from Patrick Schick to salvage a point.

Set Pieces as an Alternative Route

In a match such as Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, one well-rehearsed corner or wide free kick can overturn a long period of tactical balance.

Where Celje Could Be Exposed

Keen to see their team get back to winning ways on Wednesday, the Werkself faithful at BayArena will be buoyed by the hosts' impressive record at the ground, which features just two defeats on home turf since January.

The Substitution Battle

Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover. That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions.

That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions. The best change in Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje may be the player who solves the live problem, whether that means adding pace, control or a more reliable first pass.

Team News

Meanwhile, Celje are in disarray after former manager Vitor Campelos left the club on Monday, making a tough trip to Germany that much more challenging.

Leverkusen are without a number of players in central areas, including 17-year-old defensive midfielder Kennet Eichhorn, who continues to deal with a mitochondrial disorder, as well as the more attack-minded Nathan Tella, who is recovering from a back injury.

Eliesse Ben Seghir is also a doubt with a thigh issue, so expect to see Equi Fernandez and Aleix Garcia start behind Ibrahim Maza in the middle third.

Die Werkself right wing-back Montrell Culbreath is working his way back to full fitness following a foot injury, but Jarell Quansah will be ready to operate on the right of a four-man defence alongside Facundo Medina, Edmond Tapsoba and Miguel Gutierrez.

As for Celje, they are missing suspended midfielder Andrej Kotnik, though Papa Daniel and Mark Zavukovnik should be on hand to start in the double pivot, with Svit Seslar in the number 10 role.

Possible Starting Lineups

The Counts' club president held a meeting with the Portuguese coach at the start of the week, and it has been reported that they decided to part ways after irreconcilable differences were brought to light.

Bayer Leverkusen possible XI: Flekken; Quansah, Medina, Tapsoba, Gutierrez; Fernandez, Garcia; Diaby, Maza, Moreira; Schick.

Celje possible XI: Leban; Sirvys, Hrka, Tutyskinas, Avdyli; Daniel, Zabukovnik; Dukuly, Seslar, Kvesic; Kucys.

Schick and the Penalty Area

Fans of the visitors – who were already the underdogs on paper – will be looking for reasons to be optimistic ahead of Wednesday's showdown, but the reality is that they are in dire form.

What Maza, Moreira, Schick Need to Give Bayer Leverkusen

For Bayer Leverkusen, Maza, Moreira, Schick need complementary movement. That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions.

The detail matters differently in Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, where the likely lineups create a distinct balance between control and transition risk.

Managerless Visitors Under Pressure

Celje were downed 2-1 by NK Bravo on Saturday, a frustrating defeat that means the club have lost four of their last five outings across all competitions.

What Seslar, Kvesic, Kucys Need to Give Celje

Celje's front unit of Seslar, Kvesic, Kucys may receive fewer sustained attacks, so each touch carries more value. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape.

Recent Form in Context

However, the more optimistic amongst the travelling support would highlight that the Slovenian champions have been marginally better on the road recently, tasting defeat in just two of their last five away clashes, and winning twice.

That point matters in Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje because it affects confidence and risk. That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions.

How Bayer Leverkusen Can Build Pressure

Bayer Leverkusen need their possession to have a clear destination. With Flekken behind a back line likely to feature Quansah, Medina, Tapsoba, Gutierrez, the first phase should be about drawing pressure and then finding Fernandez, Garcia, Diaby with enough space to turn.

For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape. If the hosts can remove the first pressing line, Maza, Moreira, Schick can stay higher and attack a defence that is already moving backwards.

How Celje Can Escape the First Press

Celje's response after winning the ball could decide whether they spend the evening defending or competing. Daniel, Zabukovnik, Dukuly need to recognise when a direct pass towards Seslar, Kvesic, Kucys is on and when the safer choice is to keep possession for a few seconds.

That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions. The detail matters differently in Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, where the likely lineups create a distinct balance between control and transition risk.

The Second-Ball Battle

Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape. In Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, that point takes on a specific meaning because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje use different routes to progress the ball.

Rest Defence and Transition Risk

Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover. For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape.

In Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, poor spacing behind an attack could immediately expose the centre-backs to runners. The detail matters differently in Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, where the likely lineups create a distinct balance between control and transition risk.

The Goalkeepers’ Tactical Role

Flekken and Leban can influence Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje before either faces a serious shot. That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions.

Why the Wide Areas Matter

That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions. Bayer Leverkusen can use overlaps to stretch Celje, while the visitors can target the space left by those same forward runs.

Timing is the key. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

The Emotional Layer

Confidence also shapes Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

How the Final 15 Minutes Could Open Up

If Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje remains close late on, the spaces should increase. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

That creates chances at both ends. That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions.

The Match Could Be Won Between the Boxes

Many of the decisive moments in Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje may occur outside either penalty area. For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape.

In Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, that point takes on a specific meaning because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje use different routes to progress the ball. For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape.

How Bayer Leverkusen Can Use the Crowd and Venue

Bayer Leverkusen should try to make the venue part of the tactical picture. The detail matters differently in Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, where the likely lineups create a distinct balance between control and transition risk.

In Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, that point takes on a specific meaning because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje use different routes to progress the ball.

How Celje Can Slow the Match Down

Celje do not have to match the home tempo at every stage. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions. That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions.

The Space Behind the Full-Backs

One recurring danger in Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje is the space behind advancing full-backs. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

The detail matters differently in Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, where the likely lineups create a distinct balance between control and transition risk. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

Why One Clean Chance May Be Enough

Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje may contain long tactical phases without many clear openings. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions. For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape.

The Final Ten Minutes

In Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, that point takes on a specific meaning because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje use different routes to progress the ball. That decision could create the final decisive space of Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje.

How Bayer Leverkusen Can Make the Opening Spell Count

The first 15 minutes should matter to Bayer Leverkusen. That principle becomes match-specific here because Bayer Leverkusen and Celje are likely to defend and attack from different starting positions.

If Fernandez, Garcia, Diaby can receive facing forward, the hosts can move Celje backwards before the visitors settle. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

How Celje Can Disrupt Bayer Leverkusen's Rhythm

Celje need to make the home side uncomfortable with the ball. For this matchup, the practical issue is whether Bayer Leverkusen can impose the next phase before Celje reset their shape.

If Daniel, Zabukovnik, Dukuly can jump at the right time, the visitors can turn one predictable pass into an attacking transition.

Prediction and Betting View

• Full-time result: Bayer Leverkusen to win
• Double chance: Bayer Leverkusen or Draw
• Both teams to score: No
• Goals: Over 2.5 goals
• Correct score: Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Celje

Final Verdict

Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje should be decided by the team that manages the spaces between attacks more intelligently. Applied to Bayer Leverkusen vs Celje, the question is which side recognises the available space first and acts before the opponent can recover.

Goal.mu’s final call is Bayer Leverkusen 3-0 Celje.