Celje vs Egnatia: Match Preview

Celje look set to push on from that wild 3-3 draw and seal their spot in the next round. They sit top of the Slovenian PrvaLiga after collecting 74 points from 34 games and enter this second leg as clear favourites on home turf. The first meeting produced plenty of goals but little control. Egnatia showed attacking threat with a 6-1 win over Petrocub yet only managed a 1-1 draw in the return. Their form has been mixed in qualifying and the absence of Soumaila Bakayoko since the July 22 clash removes a key forward option. Albano Aleksi returns from suspension and could start in midfield. Celje have their own issues with Jost Pisek ruled out until November after a cruciate injury picked up in April. Still the squad depth looks stronger on paper. Their recent 2-2 result against NŠ Mura showed attacking intent even if the defence wobbled at times. Possible lineups point to Celje fielding Leban in goal behind a back four that includes Koutris and Vuklisevic. Midfield options like Seslar and Kvesic should provide balance while Tusha and Kucys lead the attack. Egnatia may line up with Dajsinani protected by Yago and Bitri with Aleksi and Medeiros supporting the forward line. The aggregate sits level after one game and both sides have conceded freely in recent outings. Celje's league position suggests they carry more quality overall and home advantage should tilt things their way.

Celje should control more of the ball and create better chances than they did in the first leg. Egnatia will look to exploit transitions but without Bakayoko their finishing might lack the same edge. Expect a tighter affair than the opening match yet still one that produces goals at both ends.