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Europa League
Bayer 04 Leverkusen
16 Sep 2026 20:00
Celje
Prediction:
Bayer 04 Leverkusen to win 1.17
View Odds >
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Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Celje Prediction & Betting Tips – 16/09/2026

16 Sep 2026 BayArena Louis Hecq

Bayer Leverkusen welcome Slovenian side Celje to the BayArena on 16 September 2026 as the Europa League league stage gets underway. For Xabi Alonso's men, sitting seventh domestically after a patchy run of three wins and two defeats in their last five, this represents a chance to set the tone in continental competition. Celje, languishing in 31st place with just one victory from their previous five outings, face a daunting trip to one of European football's most formidable venues. The stakes are clear: early points could prove decisive come the knockout rounds.

Our prediction
1: Bayer 04 Leverkusen to win
1.17 on Betfred · Confidence High
Odds recorded on 14 Sep 2026 at 21:41 · Odds are subject to change

Match Analysis

Bayer 04 Leverkusen open their Europa League campaign as heavy favourites at 1.17, with statistical models placing their win probability between 64.4% and 79.5%. Back-to-back 4-0 Bundesliga wins underline their attacking depth despite a crowded injury list.

  • 82% implied win probability across 54 bookmakers, one of the tightest market consensuses for a European home fixture.
  • Back-to-back 4-0 wins over Union Berlin and Wehen Wiesbaden confirm Leverkusen's scoring volume even with squad rotation.
  • Over 2.5 goals probability at 72-75%, supported by Leverkusen's consistent attacking output against lower-tier opposition.
  • Zero H2H data exists for Celje against Leverkusen, removing any historical template that could aid the visitors tactically.

Celje arrive at the BayArena priced at 13.00, reflecting the enormous class gap between a Slovenian outfit sitting 31st domestically and a Bundesliga top-half side. A LDWLD recent run signals inconsistency, yet they travel with a fully fit squad.

  • Celje's LDWLD run of form shows chronic inconsistency against competitive European-level opposition.
  • Ranked 31st domestically in Slovenia, Celje lack the league pedigree to absorb Leverkusen's pressing intensity.
  • No H2H record against Leverkusen gives Celje zero tactical reference points for managing this fixture.

Key point: With Over 2.5 probability at 72-75% and Leverkusen's rotated but prolific attack facing Slovenian opposition, targeting a high-scoring home win offers strong complementary value.

Form & Statistics: Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Celje

Bayer 04 Leverkusen

Recent form

DWLWL
Wins2/5 (40%)
Draws1/5 (20%)
Losses2/5 (40%)

Season statistics (5)

3.6Total goals
62%Both teams score
2.3Goals scored
1.3Goals conceded

Celje

Recent form

LDWLD
Wins1/5 (20%)
Draws2/5 (40%)
Losses2/5 (40%)

Season statistics (5)

2.8Total goals
63%Both teams score
1.4Goals scored
1.4Goals conceded

Odds comparison

BetfredWilliam HillSmarketsMatchbookCoralLadbrokes
Bayer 04 Leverkusen to win1.171.171.191.191.441.44
Draw8.007.509.008.803.603.60
Celje to win13.0013.0017.9917.507.507.50
Under 2.5·3.70··3.603.60
BTTS Yes1.731.73·1.891.801.80

Odds recorded on 14 Sep 2026 at 21:41 · Odds are subject to change

Our Verdict

Leverkusen at 1.17 represent the standout selection here. Despite a lengthy injury list, Xabi Alonso's side have won three of their last five across all competitions and sit seventh domestically. Celje, ranked 31st, have managed just one victory in five outings, drawing three and losing once. The quality gap is substantial. Over 2.5 goals at 1.25 appeals as a secondary pick given Leverkusen's attacking firepower at home. A home win is our confident call for this fixture.

Questo articolo è a scopo informativo e non costituisce una raccomandazione di scommessa.

Competition: Europa League
Stage: League Stage, 1
Date: 16 Sep 2026
Time: 20:00 BST
Stadium: BayArena

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bet for Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Celje?

A Bayer Leverkusen home win is the standout selection here. The hosts carry a win probability of 64–79% and are overwhelming favourites at 1.17, backed by back-to-back 4-0 victories in recent fixtures. Even with a depleted squad, the class gap between a Bundesliga side and a Slovenian outfit is simply too vast for Celje to bridge.

What time does Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Celje kick off?

This Europa League fixture kicks off at 19:00 UTC on 16 September 2026, which corresponds to 20:00 local time in Central Europe. The match takes place at the BayArena in Leverkusen, Germany, the renowned home ground of Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Where can I watch Bayer 04 Leverkusen vs Celje on TV?

Broadcast arrangements for Europa League fixtures vary by territory and are subject to change. We recommend checking with your local sports broadcaster or streaming platform for the most up-to-date coverage details. In the United Kingdom, UEFA Europa League matches are typically shown across TNT Sports and discovery+ channels.

What is Bayer 04 Leverkusen's recent record against Celje?

This fixture represents a first meeting between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and NK Celje at European level, with no recorded head-to-head history between the two sides. The Slovenian club arrives as considerable underdogs, facing a Bundesliga outfit of considerably greater pedigree in what is effectively an inaugural encounter between the clubs.