The UEFA Europa Conference League league phase continues with a fascinating contest between Slovenia’s Celje and Greek heavyweights AEK Athens. Both sides come into this clash riding impressive unbeaten streaks, but with AEK Athens boasting a marginal edge in form and international pedigree. With group points at a premium and both managers known for their tactical adaptability, this fixture promises a test of discipline and attacking innovation at Stadion Z’dežele.
Midfield influence will likely be a defining factor, with AEK Athens’ Petros Mantalos orchestrating play alongside Celje’s emerging attacking threat. Despite neither side being household European names, the ability of each team to capitalize on high-pressure moments could separate the contenders from the pretenders.
One “hot stat” worth noting ahead of kickoff: AEK Athens have taken a remarkable 80 shots in their last five matches, underlying a relentless attacking approach and consistent pressure on the opposition defence.
| 🏆 Tournament: | UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/26 – League Phase |
| 🏟 Venue: | Stadion Z’dežele, Celje |
| 🗓️ Date: | 02.10.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 22:00 CEST |
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Celje vs AEK Athens prediction
The best value prediction for this fixture is an AEK Athens win (Away). With a robust recent record of six wins and one draw in their last seven outings, AEK Athens have demonstrated both consistency and resilience, particularly in seesawing encounters. Their shot-intensity (80 total shots in five games) and experienced core lend them a slight but critical advantage over a Celje side that, for all their scoring potency at home, have faced less daunting opposition.
Celje typically favour an open style in their 4-2-3-1, seeing them score 13 goals in their last four outings, but their defensive line has shown vulnerability against pressure, as seen in conceding three to Koper recently. Meanwhile, AEK Athens’ approach features high pressing and ball retention (with over 1100 passes attempted in their last five), and their defensive organization is anchored by Domagoj Vida and Brignoli in goal.
The style of play is also reflected in disciplinary stats: Celje have collected 11 yellow cards in five matches, compared to AEK Athens’ 10, suggesting neither side shies from robust challenges. AEK Athens’ edge in interceptions (15) and corner kicks won (36) further emphasizes their pressing game and ability to recover possession quickly. Expect a match with high tempo and multiple attacking phases, but AEK’s superior game management and European experience should tip the balance.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | AEK Athens Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Celje: The Slovenian champions are on a hot streak, unbeaten in their last four competitive fixtures (three wins, one draw). Their 3-0 victory against Maribor showcased commanding forward play and quick transitions; however, the 3-3 draw with Koper hints at occasional lapses in defensive concentration. Celje’s attack is spearheaded by an energetic frontline, but the lack of detailed roster stats makes the collective momentum rather than individual stardom their main asset.
AEK Athens: The Athenians are the in-form side, registering six victories and a draw in their previous seven matches. Their most recent 1-0 win over Volos highlighted structural discipline, with Brignoli’s clean sheet and Vida’s marshalling of the back four. AEK’s shot count and ability to dictate play (with Mantalos and Eliasson regularly involved) underline a team comfortable in control, but their occasional struggles against compact defences mean efficiency, not just volume, will be key here.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Celje | AEK Athens |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 9 | 6 |
| Total shots | 25 | 80 |
| Corner kicks | 21 | 36 |
🚨Read our full Celje vs AEK Athens stats for more analysis.
Pre-game odds and win probability: AEK Athens the favourite
- Moneyline Celje 2.85 | AEK Athens 2.28
- Draw 3.60
- Over/Under Over 2.5 1.95 | Under 2.5 1.78
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.63 | No 2.10
With AEK Athens given a 41 percent implied probability and Celje holding 33 percent, bookmakers acknowledge Celje’s home advantage but lean towards the Greek side’s superior European profile and depth. The odds for Over 2.5 (1.95) signal expectations for a lively, goal-laden encounter, especially considering both teams average over 2 goals per game in recent form. BTTS at 1.63 further reinforces the attacking mindset observed in both camps.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups

Celje possible starting eleven
- GK: Matko Obradovic
- DF: Žan Zaletel, Advan Kadušić, Ivan Bosić, Žan Karničnik
- MF: Lamin Colley, Gregor Bajde, Marko Zabukovnik
- FW: Aljoša Matko, Luka Bobičanec, Tadej Vidmajer
Celje are likely to stick with their tried-and-tested 4-2-3-1 formation that has brought success in recent weeks. Obradovic will offer stability in goal, with Zaletel and Karničnik providing defensive steel and forward impetus. Up front, Vidmajer and Matko will be key outlets for quick transitions, while Bajde’s positional play in midfield could be a decisive factor.

AEK Athens possible starting eleven
- GK: Alberto Brignoli
- DF: Harold Moukoudi, Domagoj Vida, Llazaros Rota, Filipe Relvas
- MF: Petros Mantalos, Niclas Eliasson, Orbelín Pineda, Robert Ljubicic
- FW: Frantzdy Pierrot, Aboubakary Koita
AEK Athens have rotated intelligently, but this fixture calls for their strongest XI in a familiar 4-2-3-1. Brignoli starts between the sticks, while Vida and Moukoudi anchor the defense. Midfield creativity comes via Mantalos and Eliasson, and the dynamic duo of Pierrot and Koita offer pace, goals, and technical ability up front. Keep an eye on Pierrot, who has three goals in five matches and poses a constant aerial threat.
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AEK Athens. Source: Official Instagram. Edited photo
The Verdict
With both sides enjoying impressive runs, this promises attacking football and high stakes as the Conference League group phase heats up. My main pick is AEK Athens Draw No Bet – their form, tactical structure, and squad experience make them slight favourites, though Celje’s home form means it is wise to hedge with the safety net of a potential draw. Expect goals on both ends, but AEK Athens’ sharper edge in both boxes could be the defining difference.

