NK Celje vs Shamrock Rovers Prediction & Betting Tips - Europa League

Prediction published on 06/08/2024, 14:15  by Daniel Ngulu | Modified on 06/08/2024 at 14:34 in Europa League Predictions

Celje and Shamrock Rovers, two sides on shaky runs, will be facing off in the 3rd qualifying round of the Europa League this Thursday. Both sides are here following elimination from the Champions League. Here’s our prediction for the first leg match as the two sides look to eventually book a playoffs spot.

Hosts Celje had a humbling two-legged tie against Slovan Bratislava in the Champions League, suffering a 6-1 loss on aggregate. They couldn’t bounce back from that as they lost 1-0 to Mura in their most recent game.

Having played the last two matches away from home, and losing both, Celje will hope to bounce back here. In their last five competitive home matches, they are unbeaten, with four wins. However, they have just one clean sheet in the last 12 matches at home.

Shamrock Rovers will arrive for this game in high spirits having returned to winning ways in their last outing. A 2-1 away win at Waterford brought to an end a three-match losing streak. Two of those losses were in the Champions League.

Facing Czech champions Sparta Prague, Shamrock Rovers lost both legs, 6-2 on aggregate. The Europa League has been kinder for Shamrock Rovers, who return after two years out. When last in the competition, in 2022, Shamrock Rovers claimed three wins in their four matches.

As they look to build on that run, the Irish side will be keen on improving their defensive run, which currently stands at one clean sheet in four Europa League games. Another area of improvement for the 21-time Irish champions is their away form. The team has one win only in the last six away matches.