Celje
Salzburg
>Celje vs Salzburg Prediction & Betting Tips – 22/10/2026
NK Celje welcome Red Bull Salzburg to the Stadion Z'dežele on Thursday 22 October for a Europa League league-phase fixture that carries vastly different weight for each side. Celje, competing in the competition's group stage for the first time in the club's history, are still searching for a first goal and a first point after two opening defeats. Salzburg, stung by a bruising four-nil loss to AC Milan last time out, arrive in Slovenia desperate to steady the ship. This is the first-ever competitive meeting between the two clubs.
Match Analysis
Salzburg enter this Europa League fixture as commanding favorites at 1.53, backed by seven goals across their last five competitive games and a 3-0 domestic win over Altach that signals a squad in sharp, confident form.
- 7 goals scored across last 5 competitive games highlight Salzburg's clinical attacking output.
- Undefeated in 5 of 6 Europa League fixtures, giving them clear structural superiority in this phase.
- 3 points already secured in the current league phase versus Celje's zero, reinforcing the standings gap.
- Danny Röhl expected to field a near full-strength XI, signalling maximum intent against weaker opposition.
Celje face a steep challenge at 6.00, still searching for their first Europa League goal and point in their debut league-phase campaign. A suspended Tutyškinas further depletes a midfield that has already conceded five goals without reply.
- 0 goals scored across two Europa League matches, the worst attacking return in the competition.
- Suspended midfielder Tutyškinas leaves Celje one body short in a midfield already outclassed in Europe.
- Celje sit 6th in the Slovenian PrvaLiga, a significant quality gap below Salzburg's 2nd-place Austrian Bundesliga standing.
Key point: With Celje yet to score in Europe and Salzburg's attack in form, the away win combined with over 2.5 goals at 1.65 offers a compelling value angle.
Form & Statistics: Celje vs Salzburg
Celje
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Salzburg
Recent form
Season statistics (5)
Lineups: Celje vs Salzburg
Celje
Starters
- 1 Žan-Luk Leban
- 2 Łukasz Bejger
- 3 Žan Žužek
- 4 Milot Avdyli
- 5 Luka Vešner Tičić
- 6 Papa Daniel
- 7 Mark Zabukovnik
- 8 Yaya Dukuly
- 9 Blaž Kramer
- 10 Svit Sešlar
Bench
- Benjamin Verbič
- Mario Kvesić
Absent
- Jost Pisek (injury)
- Artemijus Tutyškinas (suspended)
Salzburg
Starters
- 1 Christian Zawieschitzky
- 2 Leandro Morgalla
- 3 Kévin Boma
- 4 Valentin Zabransky
- 5 Dominik Schmid
- 6 Bartosz Mazurek
- 7 Abubakr Barry
- 8 Edmund Baidoo
- 9 Jesper Lindstrøm
- 10 Sota Kitano
- 11 Haris Tabaković
Absent
- Enrique Aguilar (injury)
- Justin Omoregie (injury)
- Nikolas Veratschnig (injury)
- Anrie Chase (suspended)
- Filip Matijasevic (suspended)
- Johannes Moser (suspended)
Medium confidence
A 4-3-3 against a 4-2-3-1 shapes this Europa League fixture in Slovenia, with both lineups drawn from a single source and carrying probable rather than confirmed status. Celje will look to Blaž Kramer to lead the press and threaten in behind, while Salzburg's double pivot offers structural protection for their attacking quartet.
Salzburg's shape invites Jesper Lindstrøm to operate in the pocket between the lines, which could prove decisive against a Celje midfield asked to cover considerable ground. The home side's narrow 4-3-3 will demand discipline in transition if they are to avoid being exposed on the flanks by Schmid and Kitano.
Our Verdict
Salzburg at 1.53 represents the standout selection. Celje sit 35th in the league-phase standings, winless and goalless across two European outings, conceding five times without reply. Their recent domestic stalemate against Maribor underlines a chronic lack of cutting edge. Salzburg, positioned 21st, hammered Altach 3-0 in their last league fixture and boast three wins from their past five. Danny Röhl's side carry far superior firepower. Back the away win, with over 2.5 goals at 1.65 offering additional value given Celje's defensive fragility. Odds correct at time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Celje vs Salzburg?
An away win for Salzburg is the standout selection, available at 1.53. Celje have failed to score in both Europa League outings this season, conceding five goals, while Salzburg have netted seven times across their last five competitive fixtures. With Celje's midfield further weakened by suspension, Salzburg's quality and motivation make them a compelling pick.
What time does Celje vs Salzburg kick off?
The match kicks off at 19:00 UTC on 22 October 2026. It will be played at the Stadion Z'dežele in Celje, Slovenia, the home ground of NK Celje and the venue for this Europa League league-stage fixture.
Where can I watch Celje vs Salzburg on TV?
Broadcast arrangements for Europa League fixtures vary by territory. We recommend checking with your local sports broadcaster or streaming platform, as rights holders differ across regions. In many markets, matches are available via UEFA's own streaming service or through dedicated sports subscription channels. Consult your provider's listings for confirmation.
What is Celje's recent record against Salzburg?
This is the first-ever competitive meeting between Celje and Salzburg, making any head-to-head record impossible to cite. The two clubs have not previously faced one another in European competition or any other recognised tournament, so this Europa League league-stage fixture represents an entirely fresh chapter in the history of both sides.